Ghirxi had reported Johnston for harassment in April due to emails he sent following their breakup. She filed another report for the same thing in May however Gafà described these as harrassing but non-threatening. Police had also established that Johnston was in Ireland.

Ghirxi was offered a risk assessment by Aġenzija Appoġġ but declined because she believed that she was not at risk.

Last month, on 28th July, Ghirxi informed the police about the publication of images and posts online that she believed Johnston was behind. Last Thursday, she informed the police through email that she believed he had returned to Malta.

Last night, she was stabbed to death and it is believed that Johnston is responsible for her murder. The Irishman and former soldier was tracked down by police in St Julian’s where negotiations lasted hours. Johnston then brought out a replica firearm – which police officials did not realise was fake – before he was shot. He received medical treatment and was taken to Mater Dei, however he was certified as dead.