Three men currently facing criminal proceedings over a failed bomb attack in Fgura last January are to remain behind bars after their first request for bail was turned down by a Magistrates’ Court.

Lorenzo Callus, known as Ħeswes, Paul Farrugia, known as Kwattru, and Jonathan Farrugia, known as Ġanni ta’ Nina stand accused of the attempted murder of Mario Scicluna and his partner Elaine Galdes by planting a bomb under the couple's Mitsubishi Pajero, which was parked outside the family’s Fgura home.

Mr Callus had been separately charged with the possession of a firearm without a licence, as well as cannabis and heroin possession, while Jonathan Farrugia had been charged with possessing cannabis in quantities indicating that it was not intended for personal use.

Paul Farrugia had been separately charged with the possession of a large amount of contraband cigarettes.

In the course of the compilation of evidence, the prosecution had revealed how a low battery alert on a mobile phone attached to the homemade bomb, had apparently caused the device to malfunction, thereby foiling the planned explosion.

The men’s lawyers had refrained from filing a request for bail which might have otherwise been struck down as premature.

However, over three months since their arraignment, their first request was turned down on other grounds primarily relating to the gravity of the offences and the fact that the three accused were not deemed sufficiently trustworthy.

Citing a number of judgments delivered by the European Court of Human Rights, the court observed that the men had past convictions regarding a wide range of offences.

Moreover, in spite of their presumption of innocence, the accused were facing charges which carried a possible lengthy prison term.

Besides, the court was duty bound to protect society, magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit decreed, thereby turning down the request for bail.

Inspector Keith Arnaud is prosecuting. Lawyers Franco Debono and Arthur Azzopardi are counsel to Jonathan Farrugia and Lorenzo Callus. Lawyer Roberto Montalto is counsel to Paul Farrugia.