The alleged victim of a shooting that took place on 10 December in Balzan testified in court on how he was injured in a squabble about the sale of two Chihuahua dogs.

The testimony was made in the compilation of evidence against a 52-year-old man charged with attempting to murder and slightly injuring Frederick Dalli, carrying a pistol during the commission of a crime as well as carrying weapon and firing it in a public place. His 17-year-old son was accused of being an accomplice by handing the shotgun to his father.

Before Magistrate Antonio Mizzi, Mr Dalli testified that he had an argument with the accused who had sold him two Chihuahua dogs. He said that these died soon after he purchased them and called on the seller to seek some sort of compensation.

Mr Dalli said he had repeatedly gone to the man’s house asking for compensation for four months. He then managed to talk to the man’s son who asked him to wait for his father who was on his way from work. As soon as he arrived, an argument ensued and Mr Dalli testified that he saw the son handing a shotgun to the man.

The witness said he was shot at three times, the first one he believed was a warning shot while the other two were fired at him while he was running away.

Mr Dalli said he went to the man’s house unarmed and confirmed that he was injured in the face and lower back.

The man is currently held in custody while the boy is under house arrest against a personal guarantee of Lm5,000.

Police Inspectors Daniel Zammit and Ramon Mercieca prosecuted while Dr Edward Gatt was defence counsel.