Mosta man charged with double attempted murder

A 57-year-old man was yesterday charged with the attempted murder of two of his neighbours when he allegedly fired a gun at them while they were in their front garden.

Carmelo Camilleri, of Mosta, pleaded not guilty to trying to kill his neighbour Mary Galea, 48, and her 22-year-old son Clint by firing a shot in their direction on Saturday at about 5 p.m.

He was also charged with seriously injuring Ms Galea, who suffered serious facial injuries. She was hit by pellets while hanging out the clothes in the front garden of the apartment complex where she lives. Her son was also struck but did not suffer grievous injuries.

The alleged shooting followed an argument between Mr Camilleri and relatives of the victims which broke out about two weeks ago following a car accident during which his vehicle was damaged.

Mr Camilleri, known as iż-Żunżan, is believed to have been on his roof when he discharged two shots from his shotgun.

Police said the first shot was fired into the air while the second was aimed at the victims, who were in their front garden in the block of flats opposite, across a small square.

Magistrate Doreen Clarke, who presided over the arraignment, denied Mr Camilleri's request for bail.

Police Inspectors Michael Mallia and Edmond Cuschieri prosecuted.

Lawyer Patrick Valentino represented Mr Camilleri.