Presiding judge Mr Justice Galea Debono passed judgement after Fenech, 41, had stood trial for trying to kill his wife when he shot her twice on 26 April 2001.

As his relatives looked on, Fenech stood with tears in his eyes, holding a photograph of his nine-year-old son, while the judge read out the sentence. Mr Justice Galea Debono considered the submissions on punishment made by defence attorney Dr Manuel Mallia after the verdict was announced.

Dr Mallia and Dr Michael Sciriha, who appeared parte civile for the victim, both said Mrs Fenech had forgiven her husband for what he had done.

The couple’s son had been traumatised by the events and both lawyers agreed he should not be further affected by his father being sent to prison for a long period of time.

Fenech had paid his wife Lm21,000 in damages and had shown remorse for what he had done, but despite the points highlighted, the judge said he cannot tolerate incidents like this.

No matter what state the relationship is in, shooting is not the answer, said Mr Justice Galea Debono.

He said that Fenech was facing anything from eight months to eight years in prison, and went on to give him a three-year jail term.

He ordered that the time Fenech had spent in preventative custody be deducted from the sentence and also that the weapon be confiscated.

Fenech was ushered out of the court as he cried silent tears and listened to his lawyers explain the judgement.

Senior Counsel to the Republic Dr Stephen Tonna Lowell led the prosecution while Dr Manuel Mallia and Dr Giannella Caruana Curran appeared for Fenech.