A businessman from Gharghur yesterday pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and causing serious injury.

Giosue’ Gauci, 58, was accused of trying to kill Ronald Azzopardi by shooting at him at around 10.30am last Tuesday morning. The man was also charged with seriously injuring Mr Azzopardi, carrying an unlicensed firearm and using it in an inhabited area. Mr Gauci pleaded not guilty to all charges.

"The escalation of the problems between the victim and accused resulted in the incident that took place yesterday,” said prosecuting inspector Christopher Pullicino in court.

The incident occurred in an apartment block in Arturo Mercieca street in Sliema where the accused allegedly shot at Mr Azzopardi and hit him in the torso. A second bullet was said to have missed the victim.

The inspector continued by saying the problems had been going on for some time and lawyers had even sent letters to Mr Gauci to demand he changes his attitude towards Mr Azzopardi.

Presiding magistrate Michael Mallia denied the accused's request for bail on the grounds that five eyewitness are still due to testify in the proceedings against Mr Gauci and the victim is still in hospital and would not be able to defend himself had another incident such as Tuesday’s to occur.

The magistrate ruled Mr Gauci was to be remanded in custody. He noted that the accused is to be held at the St Michael's ward at the Corradino Correctional Facility, a section of the prison where inmates can be given medical care.

Inspectors Christopher Pullicino and Daniel Zammit prosecuted while Dr Matthew Brincat defended the accused and Dr Manuel Mallia appeared parte civile for Mr Azzopardi.