Inspector says farmer admitted 2005 shooting

A police officer told a court this morning how a farmer had admitted shooting a father and son - seriously injuring them - after an argument over the building of a rubble wall boiled over.

Police Inspector Chris Pullicino was giving evidence about his investigations into the shooting, which took place in the afternoon of October 26, 2005.

Mariano Grixti, 49 of Zurrieq, is pleading not guilty to the attempted murder of Joseph Mifsud and his teenage son Redeemer.

The inspector said that on his way to the scene of the crime he intercepted the accused, who was driving his car, and he admitted to having shot at the Mifsuds.

The shooting followed an argument over the building of a rubble wall between their fields.

The inspector said he had found Joseph Mifsud on the ground, bleeding heavily, His son was standing next to him. Both were in critical condition. There were several spent gunshot cartridges nearby.

In a police statement, Mr Grixti said an argument had escalated into a fight and he had fired his gun around 3.5 metres away from the Mifsuds as they walked away.

He said the two had been threatening him even as they walked.

After the shooting, he went home. put the gun away and gave himself in.

At this point Dr Joe Brincat, defence counsel, said that the police statement was null because the accused was not given access to a lawyer.

Mr Justice Micheal Mallia noted that this trial was being heard by the bench without a jury and the court would therefore decide whether or not to consider the evidence.

Dr Franco Debono and Dr Charmaine Charett are appearing parte civile for the victims.

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