A man seeking to avenge the killing of his brother was yesterday convicted of attempted murder after jurors returned a 7-2 guilty verdict.

Ronnie Azzopardi was found guilty of attempting to kill Jonathan Spiteri, the brother of notorious criminal Melchior, who is serving a 30-year sentence for killing Mr Azzopardi’s brother in 2001.

Mr Justice Michael Mallia postponed sentencing to tomorrow.

Mr Spiteri was shot in the shoulder by a man riding a motorcycle as he drove his car in Marsascala on January 5, 2003.

Mr Azzopardi, who was identified by Mr Spiteri as the motorcyclist, contended that the case was another move by Spiteri family to eliminate the Azzopardi family – one member had already been killed, and they were now trying to put another brother behind bars.

However, jurors found him guilty after deliberating for six hours. It is understood that Mr Azzopardi intends to appeal.

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