The 47-year-old policeman who allegedly shot his estranged wife three weeks ago in Rabat was yesterday charged with trying to kill her.

Carmelo Cutajar, 47, of Rabat, has been in Mount Carmel Hospital since the shooting and will remain there for the foreseeable future as the case gets under way.

He also pleaded not guilty to seriously injuring his wife, carrying an unlicensed firearm and committing a crime he was duty bound to prevent.

Magistrate Joseph Apap Bologna ordered that he be kept at the mental health hospital to continue his treatment since he was not requesting bail.

Police sources said Mr Cutajar had gone to the Point De Vue guesthouse and restaurant where his 45-year-old former wife Mary was working at around 1pm.

The couple, who have two children aged 14 and 20, had an argument in the car park in front of the building before he allegedly shot her in the stomach.

The case continues.

Police Inspectors Keith Arnaud and Kevin Farrugia prosecuted. Lawyers Edward Gatt appeared for Mr Cutajar.

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