A man who allegedly shot and injured two men on Monday night has been remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to a charge of attempted murder.

Jonathan Casha, 31, of Ghaxaq allegedly shot the men outside a bar in Hamrun at 12.45am yesterday.

Sources said that Mr Casha had an argument with the alleged victims and went to file a police report at the Marsa station.

Seeing that he was a bit drunk, the police told him to let them handle the matter. The accused allegedly went home, got a firearm, returned to the bar and fired at the window in the direction of the victims.

He pleaded not guilty to attempting to murder Carmelo Vella and Ryan Fleri, of slightly injuring them, illegally carrying a firearm and breaching the peace.

In pleas on bail, defence lawyer Noel Bianco, noted that Mr Casha had cooperated fully with the police and had a clean police record.

Prosecuting police inspectors Saviour Baldacchino and Sarah Magri confirmed the claim and said Mr Casha appeared to be very scared.

However, they objected to bail because of the seriousness of the case and the many witnesses.

Dr Bianco asked for his client not to be kept in prison.

Magistrate Francesco Depasquale remanded Mr Casha in custody on grounds that the victims and witnesses who knew him had not yet testified.

He said that the prison officials would see to his request to be transferred elsewhere and sent a recommendation that he be kept at Mount Carmel.

Article de-indexed on October 7, 2023 following an IDPC decision. For more information, contact editor@timesofmalta.com

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