Three brothers were yesterday charged with the attempted murder of their cousin after a family argument spiralled out of control.

Charles Aquilina, 37, Robert Aquilina, 29, and Darren Aquilina, 21, pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of Kevin Pace after beating him with a chair at 10.40pm on Monday at the bocci club in Msida. They were also accused of causing him serious head injuries, as well as other injuries to his arms, face and neck which could leave permanent scarring.

They were also accused of causing less than Lm500 worth of wilful damage at the club premises. The brothers were also charged with assaulting Kevin Pace.

The court, presided over by Magistrate Joseph Apap Bologna, turned down a request for bail by the accused’s lawyer Manuel Mallia. Police inspector Stephen Gatt prosecuted.