A man shot dead almost a year ago in front of his grandchildren was repeatedly hit on the head and died from a fractured skull and gunshot to his back, pathologists told the court this afternoon.

Marie Therese Camilleri Podesta and Ali Salfraz said the victim, Joseph Caruana, 61, also had a lacerated brain.

Court expert Mario Scerri said the injuries to Mr Caruana's skull were compatible to the damage to a shotgun.

In a previous court sitting in the compilation of evidence against Gregorio Scicluna, 52, the court heard how Mr Caruana had been hit so hard on the head with the butt of the gun that it broke in two.

Mr Scicluna, who is Mr Caruana's former son-in-law, stands accused with his murder and the attempted murder of the victim's daughter, Simone, and his grandchild Shania.

Mr Scicluna and Ms Caruana were dating and had three children. But their relationship then hit the rocks and Ms Caruana left the marital home with the children.

The normal family day turned sour on October 27 last year when a shooting took place at Mr Caruana's home in Kalkara.

Kevin Schembri, a heart surgeon, told the court that he examined Ms Caruana in hospital as she had a gunshot wound that had penetrated her chest. She said the pellet had stopped very close to her heart. Since she was stable, and after consulting with heart specialist Alex Manche, he decided not to operate her and keep her under observation.

The case continues.

Police Inspector Keith Arnaud is prosecuting. Lawyer Michael Schriha is appearing for Mr Scicluna.