There are 335 pending magisterial inquiries in Gozo, of which 265 have been ongoing for more than two years.

The information was tabled by Justice Minister Edward Zammit Lewis in reply to a parliamentary question by PN justice spokesperson Jason Azzopardi.

Magistrate Josette Demicoli has 20 pending inquiries, Magistrate Monica Vella has 116, Magistrate Simone Grech has 110 and Magistrate Brigitte Sultana has 89.

Magisterial inquries take place in a number of cases, including accidents that lead to fatalities or very serious injuries. They are assigned to the Magistrate on duty on the day.

Zammit Lewis said that 52 of the pending inquiries were launched less than a year ago, 18 have been ongoing for a period of between one and two years and 265 have been ongoing for over two years.

Sources said most of the pending inquiries were 'inherited' from Magistrate Paul Coppini, who retired last year. Magistrates Vella and Grech started working in Gozo in November 2019.