Before Magistrate Miriam Hayman, Adrian Spiteri, 21, pleaded not guilty to causing serious injury to Brian-David Theuma on 19 September 2003 at 6.30am in Marsascala.

He was also accused of taking the shotgun without the consent of his father, who is the registered licensee. The accused also pleaded not guilty to firing the weapon within 200 metres of a residential area and of being in possession of an unlicenced firearm.

Police inspector Anthony Cassar prosecuted while Dr Owen Bonnici appeared for the defendant.