A Gozitan man who tried to murder his son following a heated argument two years ago walked out of court free after the victim refused to testify against his own father.

The boy, who at the time of the crime was 17 years old, had also attempted to drop the case.

The court refused the request as domestic violence cases do not require the go-ahead from the injured party to proceed.

Blasio Buttigieg, 47, who lives in Kirkop, ran over his son with his BMW on November 7, 2013, and reversed onto him when he was on the ground.

The incident happened in the vicinity of Ħal Far, where the boy had gone following a row with his father.

Magistrate Aaron Bugeja heard how neither of the man’s two sons and his wife wanted to testify against Mr Buttigieg, leaving the prosecution without its star witnesses.According to law, children and parents can opt not to testify against each other.

In view of this, Magistrate Bugeja said he had no choice but to clear Mr Buttigieg of all the charges brought against him. Police Inspector Carol Fabri prosecuted, while Noel Bianco and Anthony Stellini appeared for the man.