THE Irishman shot dead by police after murdering his ex-partner in Malta was suspected of harassing another woman in the UK. But the Irish Sun can reveal Edward Johnston, 50, escaped a police probe into his treatment of this woman who is understood the be based in London . It's understood Johnston then turned his attention to ex-partner Nicolette Ghirxi, 48, when she refused to rekindle their relationship.
Following a campaign of online intimidation , Nicolette was found stabbed to death at an apartment in the Birkirkara area of the island around 2am on Monday morning. Before she was discovered, Johnston, who had a replica firearm, was shot dead after lunging at police. At present, it's not clear if the Dublin man's remains will be repatriated to Ireland .
Although he had spent time in Ireland earlier this year, he had been living in the Motherwell area of Scotland . Maltese police are now examining all of his social media accounts to establish if he had sent threatening messages to other women. A source: "Johnston was relentless in his online harassment of the woman he would ultimately murder.
"He was very active on social media and there were serious concerns about his harassment of another woman. "He didn't like it when this woman didn't engage with him and the suspicion is he then returned to torture Ms Ghirxi. "Nicolette always saw the good in people and she tried to make it work with Johnston but he just disappeared one day and then tried to get back with her again.
" Tributes for the Maltese woman continue to be posted on social media. One said: "Will never forget how much you helped me and how much you cared when I was not at my best. "She was such a beautiful person inside and out.
"Take care of your family from heaven - they never can heal but at least everyone will cherish the beautiful moments together with you." Another said: "Today is a day filled with sadness as we mourn the loss of a truly beautiful person. "You always had a radiant smile that would light up any room.
"May you rest in peace Nicolette - you will be deeply missed." Before this week's murder, Johnston was arrested by police in Liverpool in 2012 after brandishing a firearm. He also told a restaurant in Glasgow that he had a bomb.
During the incident in Scotland, police used a stun gun before arresting him. He was later jailed for 28 months..
