An argument over the pruning of trees between two Gozitan men ended tragically with the death of one of the men, jurors were told today.

Gerald Galea, 67 from Zebbug, Gozo, stands trial over the homicide of John Spiteri, 45, and the attempted homicide of his son Matthew Joe Spiteri, 24.

He is also charged with causing €2,660 worth of damage to a vehicle belonging to Joseph Hili, and causing €600 worth of damage to the victim's vehicle.

The fatal incident took place at 3:15pm on 19 June 2013 on the Qbajjar Promenade in Marsalforn, after Spiteri and his son began pruning trees with the intention of setting up their kiosk in the area.

Galea, who arrived driving a Daihatsu Terios, began arguing with Spiteri over the pruning and eventually ran him over with the vehicle.

Spiteri suffered grevious injuries and was taken to the Gozo General Hospital. His son did not suffer the same extent of injuries as he manage to evade the vehicle in time.

Lawyers Gianella Busuttil and Kevin Valletta, representing the Attorney General, told a jury that Matthew Joe Spiteri held permits from the Local Council to carry out the pruning and set up a kiosk.

The lawyers claimed that the accused confronted the pair, telling them he would not let them continue the work. In turn the men warned him that they would report him to the police.

As the son returned with a phone to report Galea, the accused allegedly drove at a high speed in Spiteri’s direction.

Busuttil said it was clear that the accused intended to kill both Spiteri and his son, and did not kill both because the son managed to get out of the way.

The trial is being presided over by judge Antonio Mizzi. Lawyers Arthur Azzopardi and Jason Azzopardi are defense counsel. Lawyer Joseph Giglio is appearing in parte civile for Spiteri's family.