since the "maltese legal code" was suspended during the war, a jury was not convened. in addition, the judges did not consider his renouncement of british citizenship and passport, his acquisition of italian citizenship, and his participation in combat with the italian army. in fact, the latter only weakened his position, since he fought against greece, an ally of the united kingdom. on november 19, 1942, he was sentenced to death for conspiring against his majesty's government and for treason. his execution followed quickly in just nine days.