Imniehru murders | Bail for Jason and George Galea still in the balance

The court is still faced with the dilemma of whether to grant bail to half-brothers Jason Galea and George Galea, who are charged with the murders of Mario Camilleri 'l-Imniehru' and his son Mario in August 2013.

Camilleri was Jason Galea's brother-in-law.

The decision to grant bail to the accused depends on whether the prosecution's last witness - Alfred Attard, known as 'id-Deffien' (the gravedigger) - can be issued with a pardon so as to hear his testimony, or if he will be arraigned as an accomplice to murder.

In separate proceedings, Jason Galea and  Ronald Urry stand charged with the murder of taxi driver Matthew Zahra back in 2012, whose remains were found buried in the same field as the Camilleris' by the police during their exhumation.

The Galeas' request for bail ground to a halt, due to an unresolved dilemma as to whether Attard, the owner of the field where the bodies were buried, should be charged as an accomplice. Attard is currently undergoing chemotherapy. The prosecution claimed his illness was at an advanced stage.

The Galeas requested bail seven months ago, and now argue that the prosecution's delay in summoning civilian witnesses has precluded them from their right to bail. "If the police accompany Attard so that he can collect his unemployment benefits, they can accompany him to this hall to give evidence," defence lawyer Joe Giglio said.

A decision on bail was expected to be taken by Wednesday.

Magistrate Antonio Micallef Trigona will this morning either order the prosecution to summon Alfred Attard as a witness, or consider and decide over the accused's bail request.

Lawyers Giannella de Marco and Joe Giglio are representing the accused.