Jonathan Pace, 31 who resides in Gudja, a former butcher who was famous with his shop “Tyson Butcher” was accused this afternoon of the attempted murder of Vince Muscat, 53 know as il-“Kohhu” near his home in Msida.
Muscat was one of the people who were accused with attempted murder of two police officers during a failed bank robbery way back in 2010. The attempted bank robbery took place at the HSBC headquarters in Qorti were 30 shot were fired, allegedly by Muscat at the police. Muscat is still out on bail.
Muscat who resides in Bordin Street, the same street, was wounded while inside his vehicle. He then drove to the Msida Police Station, where he was administered first aid for the injuries sustained until the arrival of an ambulance, which conveyed him to Mater Dei Hospital. According to the Prosecution, they told the court that it was the victim himself who recognised the person who shot him.
Six bullets were shot at Vince Muscat, with three hitting him and the other three going astray. He was shot in the neck and hand while a third bullet grazed him. He was operated soon after he was admitted in hospital. He was subsequently certified to be in a critical condition but as days passed by his health improved and was sent home, although he is still receiving medication.
After his arraignment, Dr. Giannella De Marco made a plea for bail, a plea which had a strong opposition by the Prosecution led by Senior Inspector Chris Pullicino and Inspector Keith Arnaud. The said that it was the victim himself Vince Muscat who saw who had shot at him, and the fact that he has to testify makes it practically impossible to grant bail at this stage.
The Prosecution also stated that they have been interrogating Pace for quite a while and they have also granted him two police bails in the process. The defence than said that what the Police did, grant Police Bail twice, the Court can do likewise.
But the prosecution objected saying that last Monday the accused was arrogant during interrogation and also said that he will square with Muscat in court, while he also handled Inspector Arnaud roughly.
The defence said what’s wrong in saying that things should be squared up in court. Aren’t such cases resolved in court in a democratic country? Dr. De Marco remarked. The Court presided by Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit said that bail will not be granted at this stage because Muscat has to testify. She ordered the Prosecution to order Muscat to testify in the next sitting.
Pace is also being accused of firing a arm and grievously injuring Muscat who is very much likely to suffer from permanent damages, shooting a firearm and causing wreckage to a Mitsuibishi car which belongs to the victim, shooting in a built up area, shooting a gun without a licence from the Commissioner of Police, using a car which is not his in order to make profit, threatening Inspector Keith Arnaud and being a relapser. Dr. Arthur Azzopardi was representing the victiom.