A 35-year-old farmer from Msida was charged with attempted murder yesterday evening, following a shooting in an area known as Ta’ Ganus, limits of San Gwann on Saturday morning.

Carmel Mifsud pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of Joseph Cachia. He was charged with slightly injuring Mr Cachia as he fired shots in his direction.

The accused was further charged with being in possession of a firearm at the time of the alleged crime.

Defence lawyer Pawlu Lia told the court that Mr Mifsud was under great stress and urgently needed to be seen by his doctor.

He said that despite the seeming gravity of the accusations, it was a very unfortunate case.

Dr Lia said Mr Mifsud had a long drawn out issue over a public alley that Mr Cachia claimed to be private land.

The lawyer said he himself had long been trying to help out Mr Mifsud to solve the matter with the authorities, particularly since he and his family had no access to the alley and could only reach their house through the surrounding fields.

Mr Mifsud had also reported the matter to the police, said Dr Lia, adding that the accused had fired shots to the ground and never in Mr Cachia’s direction.

The court ordered that Mr Mifsud be kept at Mount Carmel Hospital for the time being, where he will be seen by his doctor and receive necessary treatment.

The case continues.

The court was presided over by duty magistrate Jacqueline Padovani.

Police inspector Joseph Mercieca prosecuted.