A 27-year-old man was remanded in custody after he was charged with attempted murder.

James Vella, from St Venera, pleaded not guilty, before presiding magistrate Silvio Meli, to the charge of attempted murder when he hit Simon Cassar several times with a glass bottle on 30 December, in Mosta.

He was also charged with causing permanent disfigurement and seriously injuring Mr Cassar.

Magistrate Meli refused defence lawyer Franco Debono’s request for bail, because prosecuting inspector Raymond Cassar explained that there are still several eyewitnesses who are under police protection.

Police inspector Raymond Cassar prosecuted, while Dr Franco Debono and Dr Marion Camilleri appeared for Mr Vella.