A man accused of killing the father of his former partner as well as the attempted murder of the latter and her three children was this morning granted bail against a deposit of €30,000 and a personal guarantee of €30,000.

Gregorio Scicluna, 52, stands accused with killing Joseph Caruana, 61, who was shot dead in front of his daughter and grandchildren on October 27 last year at his home in Kalkara.

In the last sitting, the court heard how a pellet that hit Mr Caruana in his spine was not the only injury that caused his death but he also had a fractured skull and a lacerated brain.

The victim suffered a brain haemorrhage due to a large gash in his brain.

Magistrate Josette Demicoli granted Mr Scicluna bail. Among the bail conditions, Mr Scicluna must sign the bail book daily and has to be indoors at 10pm. Moreover, the court issued a protection order for alleged victim Simone Caruana as well as the children and other members of the Caruana family.

In a previous sitting, the court had heard that Mr Caruana was hit so hard on the head with the butt of the gun that the weapon broke in two.

Mr Scicluna and Ms Caruana had three children together but their relationship hit the rocks and Ms Caruana left their shared home with the children.

The case continues.

Police Inspector Keith Arnaud is prosecuting.

Lawyer Michael Schriha is appearing for Mr Scicluna.