An Italian who was wanted over a shooting incident in Xemxija last month was finally taken to court on Sunday morning after a search ended with his arrest on Saturday.

Damiano Torrisi, 39, went into hiding after an incident on December 13 in which a man suffered a slight injury following an argument in Burmarrad.

The argument was reportedly over money.

He was arrested following a raid in an apartment in Triq il-Kaħli around 7pm on Saturday. The police, acting on a tip-off, found the Italian hiding in a dark area in a garden.

He was in the company of two other Italian men and was planning to flee the island. 

In court on Sunday, he was accused of the attempted murder of Ivan Galea and Ronald Mallia, injuring Mr Galea and keeping Mr Galea against his will with the intention of extorting money.

He was also accused of stealing a Vauxhall and disturbing the peace.

When asked by the court for his address, Mr Torrisi said he forgot the name of the apartment where he lives. 

He pleaded not guilty and was kept under arrest.