Woman accused of murdering British pensioners makes new request for bail

A Serbian woman, who was accused of murdering two British elderly men in her flat in Qawra last year, yesterday made a fresh request for bail.

Dragana Mijalkovic, 42, was charged with the willful homicide of two male British pensioners: David Grant, 68, and Neville Ayers, 78, as well as with causing harm to their health. Ms Mijalkovic has pleaded not guilty.

Above this, a large amount of money was also found in her flat, which Ms Mijalkovic explained as a lottery’s winnings.

The body of Mr Ayers was found in her apartment, the cause of his death was found to be asphyxia. Ms Mijalkovic was suspected of homicide when it was noted that the body of Mr Grant was found in the same flat nine months earlier, the cause of his death was established as pulmonary oedema.

Yesterday, Inspector Maurice Curmi took the witness stand and explained to Magistrate Antonio Micallef Trigona that on 12 October, 2016, he met with a clearly-anxious Ms Mijalkovic at the Qawra Police Station, went with her to her flat, after she pleaded for medical help. There, he found Mr Ayers lying on the bedroom floor. A doctor pronounced the man dead, observing marks and signs of potential foul play.

The duty magistrate at that time, Aaron Bugeja, was called to inspect the site after these marks were noted.

Following this incident, in a court-appointed inquiry, it came to light that Mr Grant had also passed away due to similar circumstances within the apartment of the accused on 6 February that same year.

According to a sergeant from the Vice Squad, who was present at the arrest of Ms Mijalkovic, the woman had refused to have legal assistance.

Her lawyers yesterday submitted a fresh application for bail, pointing out that an earlier request for bail had been rejected on the grounds that two or three civilians were still to give their testimony. Magistrate Antonio Micallef Trigona, presiding over the case, adjourned the case to two weeks’ time and requested the prosecution to summon these witnesses at that sitting.

Ms Mijalkovic was remanded in custody.

Inspectors Fabian Fleri and James Grech prosecuted. Lawyer Peter Fenech was defence counsel to Ms Mijalkovic.