A 23-year-old man from Siggiewi has been remanded in custody after he pleaded not guilty to the attempted voluntary homicide of his friend's landlord who he repeatedly hit with a hoe last Friday.

Sylvester Zahra of Siggiewi was charged with hitting Antoine Saliba at Triq Luret Cutajar in Zebbug between 9 and 10 p.m. Mr Saliba suffered grievous injuries in his back and was discharged from hospital at his own request.

Sources said the fight took place following an argument between Mr Saliba and Joseph Borg, who rented a property from Mr Saliba.

Following the argument, Mr Borg asked Mr Zahra to help him take his belongings out of the property but when they went to empty the place, they found that the lock had been changed. Mr Saliba went on site and the fight, during which Mr Borg was also injured in his face, ensued. Mr Borg is still in hospital.

Mr Zahra told the court that he used the hoe to defend Mr Borg as Mr Saliba was also using tools.

The case continues.

Lawyers Marion Camilleri and Franco Debono represented the accused.

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