Looking the worse for wear, a 31-year-old man was yesterday charged with the murder of Anthony Borg, also known as Il-Bona, on Sunday in Marsaxlokk.

When asked what he would be pleading, the accused, Allan Galea answered: "Not guilty. He shot me" and was then told by Magistrate Miriam Hayman to sit down.

With a bloodshot left eye, a cut above the same eye and a large wound at the back of his head, which was visible because the area was shaved, Mr Galea said he owned a stall at a flea market together with his girlfriend.

He also stands charged with carrying a knife during the commission of a crime and with not having a licence to carry such an instrument.

Defence lawyer Joseph Giglio asked the court to order that the body of the victim be tested for gunshot residue. Defence counsel is arguing that the victim had fired three shots at the accused.

Dr Giglio also asked the magistrate to ensure that video footage from the Bank of Valletta branch, situated close to the scene of the crime, be preserved as evidence and for mobile phone service providers to give any information they might have about calls made by the victim to the accused and his girlfriend.

Magistrate Miriam Hayman remanded Mr Galea in custody and ordered that only his parents and sister were to visit him in prison.

Mr Galea left the court room accompanied by six police officers.

Police Inspectors Chris Pullicino, Joseph Mercieca and Priscilla Caruana prosecuted.

Lawyers Giannella Caruana Curran, Joe Giglio and Stephen Tonna Lowell appeared for the accused. Lawyers José Herrera and Veronique Dalli appeared parte civile.