A 23-year-old man charged with attempted murder was remanded in custody yesterday as people are expected to take the witness stand against him in the coming days.

Silvester Zahra, from Siġġiewi, pleaded not guilty to the attempted voluntary homicide of Antoine Saliba, his friend’s landlord, who he allegedly hit with a hoe in the back on Friday.

Mr Saliba suffered grievous injuries and is missing some flesh and a bone from his spine. He was discharged from hospital at his own request.

The two men were involved in a brawl which took place between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Triq Luret Cutajar, Żebbuġ.

Mr Zahra was accompanying Joseph Borg, who rented property from Mr Saliba.

Sources said the fight followed an alleged argument earlier in the day between Mr Borg and Mr Saliba concerning the rent. Mr Borg then asked Mr Zahra to help him move his belongings out of the property but when they returned to empty the place, they discovered that the lock had been changed.

Mr Saliba went on site and a fight broke out, the sources said.

Mr Zahra allegedly used the hoe to defend his friend.

Mr Borg was also injured in his face and eye and he is still in hospital.

Dr Marion Camilleri and Dr Franco Debono appeared for the accused. Magistrate Francesco Depasquale presided over the case.