Two brothers who allegedly set fire to a car belonging to another sibling were denied bail upon their arraignment on Wednesday.

Roderick Grech, 34 and Errol Grech, 39, who share the same home at Zejtun, were arraigned on Wednesday in the wake of the alleged arson attempt early on Tuesday morning.

They pleaded not guilty to having set fire to their brother’s car, causing voluntary damage and causing its owner to fear violence. Roderick Grech was separately charged as a recidivist.

Prosecuting Senior Inspector Trevor Micallef pointed out that the alleged victim feared his brothers, especially Roderick. In fact, this had not been the first incident between the siblings.

Even the two accused had been at loggerheads in the past but appeared to have since resolved issues between them, the prosecution pointed out.

Defence lawyers Franco Debono and Martin Fenech countered that the allegations revolved upon a family matter and that the facts alleged by the prosecution were being contended.

It was further pointed out that the brother of the two accused had moved out of the family home and that the duo were willing to abide by any conditions imposed by the court to steer clear of the alleged victim.

“Hopefully this family affair will be resolved amicably,” Dr Debono declared.

After hearing submissions by both parties and in view of the circumstances of the case, Magistrate Neville Camilleri turned down a request for bail declaring that the court was not satisfied, at this stage, that if the accused were to be granted bail they would abide by court conditions, besides the fear of tampering with evidence.