Shooting victim says he is OK now

A man who was shot in a Paceville fight two years ago testified in court yesterday that he was no longer suffering from the injuries he received on the night.

The incident was sparked off when at around 6 a.m. on August 24, 2007, 18-year-old David Spiteri allegedly put his hand on the shoulder of 28-year-old Mark Debono's girlfriend in Footloose bar.

An argument ensued and Mr Spiteri went to his car, retrieved a pistol from underneath the passenger seat, went back into the club and shot Mr Debono in the stomach, the court heard.

The accused then went straight to his mother's house and turned himself in at the Luqa police station at around 7 a.m.

Mr Spiteri is pleading not guilty to attempted murder, seriously injuring Mr Debono and possessing the weapon without a licence.

The accused allegedly told the police that he had bought the gun about a year before the incident after having grave disagreements with the family of a former girlfriend.

Taking the witness stand, Mr Debono said he no longer suffered from any of the injuries.

Also testifying, bouncer Pierre Buttigieg said that when he saw the victim fall his first thought was that he was drunk but he then saw him bleeding.

A second bouncer, Terrence Walter Cross, said he rushed to help the victim and together with the manager of the club they tried to stem the bleeding.

The case continues.

Police Inspectors Martin Sammut and Ramon Cassar prosecuted.

Lawyers Michael Sciriha and Henry Antonic are appearing for Mr Spiteri.