Former judge Patrick Vella has passed away at age 78.

Vella had been made a judge in 1998. He had served as a magistrate for 12 years before.

Vella had originally become a lawyer in 1967.

He had been arraigned in 2002 together with former Chief Justice Noel Arrigo, both charged with accepting bribes, revealing official secrets and trading in influence, in connection with a court case against drug trafficker Mario Camilleri.

Vella had confessed to accepting bribes in return for giving Camilleri a reduced jail term. Former judge Vella was jailed for two years in 2007. He had issued a public apology for his actions, saying he was sorry for the damage caused to society. Vella had been released in 2008.