Accused in shooting case granted bail

A man shot in Marsascala last month told his girlfriend he believed he knew the identity of his assailant and that the attempt was simply a bid to avenge the death of the assailant's brother.

Giovanni Spiteri's girlfriend Ednea Gatt told Magistrate Abigail Lofaro that Spiteri believed Ronnie Azzopardi had tried to avenge the death of his brother Jason by shooting him.

Spiteri is the brother of Melchior Spiteri, the man charged with the wilful homicide of Jason Azzopardi.

Gatt testified in the compilation of evidence against Azzopardi, 31, of Cospicua, who is pleading not guilty to Giovanni Spiteri's attempted murder on January 6.

She explained that Spiteri left her house just after midnight on January 6 and at about 2 a.m. she was told to go to hospital because he had been shot while on his way home.

At the end of yesterday's sitting Azzopardi was granted bail against a Lm5,000 deposit and a personal guarantee of Lm10,000.

Magistrate Lofaro then ruled there were enough reasons for his indictment.

The case continues.

Police Inspectors Anthony Cassar and Carmelo Magri are prosecuting.

Dr Joseph Giglio is appearing for Azzopardi.