The First Hall of the Civil Court, presided over by Mr Justice Geoffrey Valenzia, ruled yesterday that a trial by jury of Brian Vella for the double murder of an elderly couple can go ahead.

The decision followed a plea by Vella claiming that the trial should not go ahead because there had already been two mistrials and this constituted a breach of his fundamental human rights.

Mr Justice Valenzia said that a year had passed since the last trial was declared to be a mistrial. The court also said that with careful direction from the presiding judge, Vella could still have a fair trial that would safeguard his presumed innocence as protected by law.

The court also said that the Criminal Court had acted correctly and in Vella’s interests when the mistrials were declared.

Vella, 35, is facing charges of murdering Gigi Grima, 79, and his wife Guza on 10 February 2000.

Dr Kris Busietta and Dr Anglu Farrugia appeared for Vella.