The man accused of firing at the Nationalist Party club in Mqabba last December has again been denied bail due to the seriousness of the case.

Carmel Saliba, 31, has been held in preventive arrest since his arraignment on December 21 when he pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of 20 people and to breaching the conditions of a previous release. Bail was then denied.

In yesterday's hearing, Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani again denied bail after hearing the police object on grounds that, were it not for them, the outcome of the incident could have been far worse.

Club president Michel Farrugia said a scuffle broke out between him and Mr Saliba. He said that just before the accused left he told them he would return to seek revenge.

Mr Saliba then allegedly rushed back to the club some time later brandishing a gun and two policemen who arrived a few minutes before to investigate intervened. Mr Saliba allegedly pushed his way past them and fired shots at the door seriously injuring two people.

The case continues.

Lawyers Gianella Caruana Curran and Gianluca Caruana Curran appeared for the accused.

Lawyers Franco Debono and Charmaine Cherrett appeared parte civile.