Updated: Court hears how man was shot after argument

Nazzareno Briffa, 49 of Birkirkara, went on trial today, accused of the attempted murder of Peter Borg in 2009 and of seriously injuring him.

Mr Briffa allegedly shot at Mr Borg, known as Il-Ħassu, 56, at his farm near the Birkirkara By-pass in the evening of July 22.

Testifying, forensic expert Mario Scerri said that Mr Borg's body was covered in pellets. One had entered his brain and another his heart.

Earlier, Dr Maurizio Cordina, prosecuting, said the two had had an argument in Tony's Bar in Birkirkara.

Mr Borg left the bar first, returning to his farm.

Some time later Briffa left the bar, went to his parents' house, grabbed a shotgun and went to Mr Borg's farmhouse.

He fired two rounds at a Banif Bank billboard and when Borg got out to see what was happening, Mr Briffa shot him. Gunshot injuries were found on various parts of his body, especially around his head and neck and his life was saved only thanks to prompt medical intervention.

The police found Mr Briffa still on site and arrested him after he laid down his weapon.