A Gozitan man went on trial today, accused of the attempted murder of his brother-in-law following an argument over inheritance. He is alleged to have struck him with a crowbar .

The case took place in April 2007 during an argument in Xewkija between the accused, Carmel Vella and the victim, Carmel Xerri.

Mr Xerri managed to recover after hospital treatment.

Taking the witness stand, Police Sergeant, Joseph Mizzi said he was on duty on the day of the incident when at around 7 p.m. Mr Vella went into the police station and told him that he had an argument with Mr Xerri.

He had told the police that while he was at Xewkija as he walked out of his mother-in-law’s house he saw Mr Xerri. An argument had developed and Mr Xerri grabbed the crowbar from a truck and swung it at him.

Mr Vella said he then grabbed the crowbar and hit him on the head. The accused insisted that Mr Xerri grabbed the instrument first. Mr Xerri denied Mr Vella’s version of events. He told the police that for no apparent reason, Mr Vella picked up the crowbar and hit him on the head. He also claimed to have been insulted by Mr Xerri.

Neurosurgeon Joanna Van-T Verlaat told the court that the victim had been examined. He had suffered a fractured skull but no injuries to his brain. He had however, suffered headaches. From a neurosurgeon's point of view, this case, she said, 'was nothing.