Two Libyans who stand charged with the murder of a Colombian student in Paceville last month became "emotional" when the police told them that the victim had died in hospital, a court heard today.

But CCTV footage showed that the two Libyans punched and kicked the victim even after he fell to the ground.

Inspector Nikolai Sant was giving evidence in the first sitting of the compilation of evidence against Zyad Mohamed Drebeka, 23, and Ahmed Rasem Franka, 29, who stand charged with the murder of Carlos Augusto de la Espriella Perez on 19 May.

Inspector Sant said the police were alerted, at around 3am, about the incident in front of Qube nightclub. By the time the police officers arrived the victim had already been taken to hospital. The man was identified as a 36-year-old who was living in Malta to learn English.

"From the club's CCTV footage it was clear that the victim was assaulted by two persons. It started when an individual smashed a glass against Mr Perez's face. That person then started punching the victim on the face. A few seconds later a second person came and joined in the attack."

The Inspector said a third, unidentified person tried to stop the fight but the accused would not stop and kicked the Colombian even after he fell to the ground.

Mr Perez was taken to hospital where he was found to be in danger of losing his life. "He had bruising and cuts on his forehead and face, massive hemorrhage with cerebral odema and damage to the lungs."  

Inspector Sant said he had later received confidential information as to the identity of the aggressors. From other CCTV cameras the police saw that the Libyans took a taxi back to their Swieqi home. One of the aggressors caught on camera had his shirt torn - the same garment was found at one of the accused's homes.

The following Saturday the Inspector was informed that Mr Perez had passed away in hospital. At this time the police were still searching for the suspects. The accused were arrested on 25 May in Gozo.

Inspector Sant said he went to speak to them at the Gozo lock-up but the two did not answer any questions.  Interrogated by Inspector Keith Arnaud the next day, the men became emotional and seemed to be very shocked when they were informed that Mr Perez had died. They insisted that had not intended to kill him.

At this point Mr Franka insisted that he had never hit the victim, contradicting his previous admission.

Mr Drebeka said there was an argument over a drink of Jack Daniels whisky. He said he and Franka had given the last glass to a woman who was also at the bar but the glass somehow ended in Mr Perez's hand. The victim refused to give it back and, according to the accused, insulted them in Spanish.

Drebeke said he had slapped the glass out of Mr Perez's hands. When the victim squared up to him he hit him in the face and beat him up. He insisted that Mr Franka had also taken part in the fight and had punched and kicked the Colombian.

The court heard how the two men gave differing versions, with Mr Franka claiming that they had actually drunk the whisky at home.

Mr Franka also has a pending case related to the alleged rape of a Swedish woman.

Lawyers Veronique Dalli and Arthur Azzopardi are appearing for the Libyans.