Malta extradites man wanted for murder

Lauretta, 42, known as 'Pino' was arrested in Malta at the beginning of the month after he was tracked-down by Italian investigators for the murder of businessman Ettore Marcoli last January in Novara, Northern Italy.

Lauretta had absconded to Malta, found a job and also had a Maltese girlfriend.

He was arrested by the Maltese Police and was served with a European Arrest Warrant (EAW) and immediately charged in court.

Lauretta did not object to his extradition, however he appealed on his immediate extradition as he attempted to delay proceedings by asking to be prosecuted for a minor charge that remained pending before the Maltese courts.

The appeal was turned down a week ago, and Lauretta was extradited on Friday morning.

He was accompanied by two Maltese police officers who accompanied him to Rome and handed him over to the italian investigators.

Lauretta will appear before judges in Novara next Monday.