The man who allegedly attacked another driver following a collision between two vehicles in the early hours of Wednesday morning appeared in court yesterday charged with attempted murder.

Stephen Pirotta, 34, of Luqa, pleaded not guilty to trying to kill 37-year-old David Azzopardi of Cospicua, at around 12.25am in Qormi.

He was accused of stabbing and seriously injuring Mr Azzopardi, and of being in possession of an unlicensed knife. He was additionally charged with reckless driving and relapsing in view of previous convictions.

Prosecuting inspector Anthony Portelli objected to bail being granted. He told the court that in July, Pirotta had been convicted of causing serious injuries and that he had an alcohol problem.

Even if Pirotta had been provoked, the inspector said, he had nevertheless stabbed someone.

Upon hearing this, presiding magistrate Joseph Cassar refused Pirotta bail and ordered that he be remanded in custody.

Inspectors Anthony Portelli and Jesmond Borg prosecuted and Dr Anglu Farrugia and Dr Edward Gatt appeared for the accused.

A man from Zurrieq pleaded not guilty yesterday to attempting to kill a man and his teenage son by shooting at them.

The incident allegedly happened following an argument over a wall that divided their property.

Mariano Grixti, 42, was accused of the attempted murder of Joseph Mifsud and his son Redeemer at about 4.30 pm on Wednesday.

He allegedly tried to kill the father and son by firing three or four shots at them. Both were seriously injured.

Grixti was also charged with carrying a firearm and relapsing in view of previous convictions.

Prosecuting inspector Christopher Pullicino told the court that the incident was the result of an argument about a wall. The accused’s property is adjacent to that of the victims and the inspector said the accused was building a wall when the Mifsuds arrived and they began insulting him.

Grixti told the inspector: “A black cloud came over me and I grabbed my shotgun.”

Inspector Pullicino said one of the victims was still in a critical condition.

On these grounds, the prosecution objected to Grixti being granted bail, claiming that it was still premature for him to be released.

Presiding magistrate Anthony Vella agreed and ordered Grixti to be remanded in custody.

Inspector Pullicino and inspector Walter Spiteri

prosecuted and Dr Mark Busuttil appeared for the accused.