A Żabbar man doused his partner's sister in fuel, wrapped a chain around her neck and threatened to set her alight earlier this week, a court heard today.
Alvin Pullicino, 26, stands accused of having ambushed the woman's car at around 7.30pm on Wednesday evening. Her son was sitting in the passenger seat.
Mr Pulliciono is facing charges of attempted murder, attempted arson, criminal damage and having threatened and slightly injured the woman with a burning or corrosive substance.
The court, presided by magistrate Ian Farrugia, heard how Mr Pullicino allegedly splashed a can of fuel onto the vehicle then opened the car door and doused the driver with the flammable liquid.
Mr Pullicino allegedly caught up with her and wrapped a chain around her neck
The child managed to get out and ran away to safety. Their mother soon followed, but Mr Pullicino allegedly caught up with her and wrapped a chain around her neck.
He was forced to let go of his victim and flee the scene when a third party reportedly intervened. A lighter was later retrieved from the scene.
Mr Pullicino, his car and an empty fuel tank were later found in Triq il-Magħsar in Żabbar. His alleged accomplice, 21-year-old Gavin Spagnol, was arrested later.
Mr Spagnol is charged with complicity in the crimes and with slightly injuring the woman.
Prosecutor Christabelle Chetuti told the court that over the past year police had dealt with several reports about Mr Pullicino's family and that of the victim, who is his ex-partner's sister.
There are several pending cases and a lot of bad blood between the families, she said.
Lawyer Franco Debono, defence counsel together with lawyers Marion Camilleri and Angie Muscat, entered a plea of not guilty and requested bail.
The defence argued that Mr Spagnol had no previous convictions, while Mr Pullicino had once been convicted of attacking a man 13 years ago.
“He will be in prison for the first time in his life whilst still presumed innocent,” argued Dr Debono.
Inspector Chetcuti highlighted the fact that the first two charges - attempted murder and arson were serious enough to warrant his continued detention under arrest. “The fact that we have issued charges means that we have sufficient evidence to prosecute,” said the inspector.
Magistrate Ian Farrugia observed that it was evident that “everything relied on the testimony of the alleged victims.” For this reason he denied bail, saying there was a real risk of evidence being compromised.
Addressing the accused, the magistrate said: “This is the first step in a long process. The court has decided that for reasons found in the law, and for the good of all involved, you should remain in custody for now.”
Inspector Christabelle Chetcuti prosecuted. Lawyers Franco Debono, Marion Camilleri and Angie Muscat were defence lawyers. Lawyers Veronique Dalli and Andrew Saliba appeared parte civile for the victim.