A man charged with murdering his former father-in law used to beat his partner and once hit one of their children with a fork, a court heard yesterday.

Reno Said testified he witnessed Godwin Scicluna, 52, from Kalkara, hitting his ex-partner, Simone Caruana, during arguments.

Mr Scicluna stands charged with murdering Joseph Caruana, 61, on October 27.

Mr Caruana was shot dead in front of his three grandchildren. He had also been hit on the head with the butt of a gun, which had broken in two.

Family friend Mr Said recalled a particular incident when an argument broke out between the couple during a meal. As Mr Scicluna was waving his hands, he hit one of his children with a fork he was holding.

According to evidence, Ms Caruana had taken the children to see their father, who cooked rabbit for them.

When Mr Caruana phoned his daughter to say he was ready to pick them up, an argument ensued between the estranged couple over Ms Caruana’s digital camera.

Mr Scicluna smashed the camera on the floor and in a heated exchange in the presence of their three children – aged five, three and eight months – the accused pointed his hunting gun at Ms Caruana and she took cover under the kitchen table.

One child ran outside and told his grandfather what was happening. Mr Caruana went inside and struggled for the gun with the accused before Mr Scicluna shot him.

At the end of the sitting, defence lawyers Michael and Lucio Sciriha requested bail on grounds that most of the witnesses had testified. Police Inspector Keith Arnaud objected, given the gravity of the case.

Magistrate Josette Demicoli granted Mr Scicluna bail against a deposit of €30,000 and personal guarantee of €30,000.

He will remain in preventive custody unless he pays the money.