Joseph Bonnici, 41, was sentenced to 36 years in jail after admitting to killing his mother and sister in Ghaxaq three years ago.

Bonnici admitted to the nine accusations against him and avoided a trial by jury.

He admitted to killing Maria Lourdes Bonnici and Angele Bonnici, using a weapon in the commission of a crime, shooting a firearm in an inhabited area, hiding the corpses, being in possession of a firearm without a licence, and manufactured a firearm.

Inspectors Keith Arnaud, John Spiteri and Roderick Attard prosecuted. Lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri appeared as defence counsel for the accused.

A court heard how he had carefully worked out his crime, preparing cloths to mop up the mess and building weapons he would then use in the murder in his garage workshop.

Joseph Bonnici had previously filed a missing persons report and was spoken to by the police about the disappearance of his mother and sister.