An 18-year-old was denied bail yesterday after he pleaded not guilty to attempted murder on Friday morning at around 5.45am in Paceville.

David Spiteri pleaded not guilty, before presiding Magistrate Antonio Micallef Trigona, to the attempted murder of Mark Debono.

He also pleaded not guilty to seriously injuring Mr Debono, possession of a firearm without a police licence and firing a weapon within 200m of an inhabited area.

Prosecuting inspector Raymond Cassar told the court that up till yesterday morning, Mr Debono’s condition was stable.

Magistrate Micallef Trigona expressed his concern, especially considering Mr Spiteri’s age, that he was carrying a weapon in an entertainment area.

The court remanded Mr Spiteri in custody and issued a recommendation to the Director of the Corradino Corrective Facility to place Mr Spiteri in the YOURS section.

Police inspectors Raymond Cassar and Martin Sammut prosecuted while Dr Henry Antoncich appeared for the accused.