Gozitan gets life in jail for complicity in warden's murder nine years ago

In a judgement delivered lat at night, Gianni Attard was jailed for life by Judge Michael Mallia after a jury found him guilty of being an accomplice in the murder of warden Fortunata Spiteri, 47, who was stabbed five times while on duty on the Victoria-Gharb road, on August 10, 2001.

He was however, declared ‘not guilty’ of masterminding and carrying out the murder.

The verdict was returned after 23 hours of deliberation by jurors who delivered a 7-2 guilty verdict on complicity to te murder.

During the trial, which opened on Monday, Mr Attard admitted to having been on the scene, but denied having participated in the murder.

Another man, Benny Attard, 51, was jailed for 30 years last year after he admitted his involvement in the murder., while another accomplice, Giuseppe Farrugia, had also been charged with the murder, but died before proceedings came to an end.