A court heard dramatic testimony on Monday detailing how John Agius allegedly pointed a firearm at two construction workers before opening fire on police officers during a violent confrontation in St Julian's last July.
Nawaf Khasem, a construction worker plastering the façade of a neighbouring building from a suspended platform three storeys up, testified that he had a clear view of the entire incident. He stated that Agius initially pointed a gun directly at him and his colleague before moving to a room inside his property and shooting toward arriving police officers.
Forensic expert Matthew Grima corroborated the account, testifying that over 2,000 gunshot residue particles were detected on John Agius. This included five characteristic particles on his left hand and two on his face. Grima explained that these characteristic particles contain three specific elements that, when found together, provide strong evidence of exposure to gunfire and strongly support the conclusion that Agius fired a weapon from inside the property.
Property developer Frederick Pierre Villa also testified, describing how a long-standing dispute over construction work escalated into arson and shooting. Villa said two workers were on the suspended platform around 9am when Agius began shouting at them. Shortly after returning to his adjacent office, Villa heard shouting and saw smoke and flames rising directly beneath the platform.
The workers were hoisted to safety, and Villa later viewed video footage showing Agius pouring liquid on wood beneath the men and setting it alight. Under cross-examination, Villa confirmed he did not see the fire set in person, but based his account on the recording.
Villa subsequently called the police. Upon arrival, two officers ordered Agius to open his door before entering the building, after which initial gunshots were heard. As backup arrived, further gunfire broke out, and Villa was instructed to take cover. He reported seeing significant blood on the ground where an injured officer was treated by medical personnel. Villa estimated about 45 minutes passed between the two rounds of gunfire before Agius surrendered.
Addressing the background of the conflict, Villa explained that tensions over neighbouring construction had spanned roughly three years. Agius frequently complained about noise, workers touching a dividing wall, and alleged structural damage. Villa noted that one formal complaint about damage was dropped after an assessment found no actual damage present. Despite seeing Agius regularly, Villa said he had never personally argued with him, though friction existed between Agius and prior contractors.
Further forensic evidence presented in court confirmed the presence of a hydrocarbon mixture associated with petrol in samples collected from the scene, including a metal container and several bottles. However, swabs taken from the hands and faces of John Agius and his brother George were inconclusive for volatile liquids, which experts noted evaporate rapidly.
The court also released a seized mobile phone to construction worker Mohammed Kasim Ibrahim after the prosecution raised no objection.
The prosecution is led by lawyer Joseph Camilleri Azarov for the Attorney General and Inspector Stephen Gulia. Lawyer Thomas Sant is defending Agius, while legal representatives are also appearing for the workers and additional parte civile parties.
The trial is set to continue on November 23 and November 30.