A 47-year-old from Zebbug was arraigned in court in Gozo charged with the attempted murder of Frankie Cini from Zebbug.

Joseph Portelli was accused of firing gunshots in the direction of Frankie Cini with the intent to kill him or endanger his life on Monday 25 July.

He was accused of causing grievous bodily harm to Cini and also of threatening other individuals in the same incident.

Portelli was also charged with having in his possession a firearm without a licence, of breaking the public peace and of firing a gun in a residential area thus endangering the public.

The court did not uphold the defence’s request for bail and the accused was remanded in custody.

Magistrate Paul Coppini presided over the Magistrates’ Court.

Police inspectors Antonello Grech and Chris Pullicino prosecuted, Dr Emanuel Mallia appeared for the defendant, while Dr Toni Abela and Dr Georgina Scicluna Bajada appeared in parte civile.