The man accused of trying to kill another motorist in a road rage incident in 2005 told the court yesterday he had never been in any fight before or since the incident.

Patrick Grixti, 33, testified in his trial by jury about the events that led up to Francis Farrugia ending up under Mr Grixti's car on September 22 in Birkirkara.

He explained that while driving his car he stopped behind a red Pontiac being driven by Mr Farrugia because a garbage truck was in front. As he tried to overtake the red car, it reversed in his vehicle's direction and hit his car. Mr Farrugia alighted and started shouting and swearing at him. The argument became so heated that the truck driver had to restrain Mr Farrugia, Mr Grixti said.

The truck driver then told the accused to drive off. As he could not move forward because the truck was in the way, he tried to reverse but Mr Farrugia chased him, hitting him in the face through the car window. "He just lost it," Mr Grixti said.

He said he could not get out of the car because there was a pushchair on the passenger's seat and his size impeded him from jumping onto the back seat, he told the court.

The accused said he then saw the truck moving and he tried to drive forward but the victim struck him very hard on the head.

After the incident, a lot of people approached him, including two girls, the victim's daughters. People also appeared in balconies and in their front doors to see what was going on.

He said he felt scared to be surrounded in such a manner and escaped the moment he could.

When asked whether he had told the whole truth in his statement to the police, which was taken shortly after the incident, Mr Grixti said he was in a state of shock and gave the details as best he could.

He added that he had never been involved in any fights or in police investigations.

During the closing arguments yesterday, defence lawyer Roberto Montalto highlighted the victim's criminal record: 11 convictions for fights, one in particular for attacking a German couple after a car accident.

His client was on his way to buy milk and medicine for his two-year-old son and had no intention of getting into a fight with the victim.

Referring to Mr Farrugia by his nickname, Frans il-Buqu, Dr Montalto said the man acted as if he owned the road.

Prosecuting lawyer Anthony Barbara argued that the specific intention of harming Mr Farrugia was evident from Mr Grixti's actions.

He referred to the testimony given by Mr Farrugia's daughters who said the accused had attacked them after running over their father.

The verdict is expected today.

Lawyer Michael Sciriha also appeared for Mr Grixti.