Caricia Sammut, the 16-year-old whose mother Christine was shot dead at Zebbiegh last December, said in court today that her mother's former boyfriend used to be aggressive towards them and they were even afraid to leave home.

She was testifying in the compilation of evidence against Kenneth Gafa', the former boyfriend who is accused of the murder.

Ms Sammut said her mother used to carry a can of pepper spray wherever she went because she was afraid of Mr Gafa'.

The two used to fight often, she said, and when her mother broke off the relationship, he kept on insisting that it was not over. He also threatened that he would commit suicide.

Ms Sammut broke down in tears during her testimony and the sitting was interrupted.

Mrs Sammut’s sister-in-law, Susan Sammut, said Christine had told her that Mr Gafa had threatened to kill her or put her in a wheelchair if he caught her with someone else.

She had even called the police because Mr Gafa used to bang on her door and force his way in, Mrs Sammut said.

Christine did not want to cut off communication with Mr Gafa because he owed her father €13,000, which he borrowed to set up a farm.