A man used his car as a weapon twice last weekend to threaten a father and son, a court was told on Monday.

Joseph Ellul, 35 of Cospicua, was accused of having, on Saturday morning rammed his VW Polo car into the front passenger door of a BMW where Joseph
Brignone was seated. He then got out of his car, wielding a metal bar, whilst threatening Mr Bignone. The incident happened in Cospicua.

On the following day, while driving his Polo, Mr Ellul sighted Joseph Brignone’s father, Emanuel, riding his motorcycle in Triq San Dwardu. He drove at speed straight at the motorcycle, slamming the brakes just in time to avoid hitting him.

The motive behind both cases is unknown as part of the court sitting was closed to the media. 

Mr Ellul was charged with having attempted to place the life of Emanuel Brignone in clear danger, with having assaulted and threatened Joseph Brignone and causing both father and son to fear violence.

He was further charged with voluntary damage to the BMW and with having breached public order.

Magistrate Natasha Galea Sciberras, after hearing the arrested man plead not guilty, upheld his request for bail under a strict prohibition of approaching his alleged victims and their family.

Bail was granted against a deposit of €5,000, a personal guarantee of €15,000, a curfew between 8.30pm and 7am and an obligation to sign the bail book on a daily basis. 

Inspector Josric Mifsud prosecuted.
Lawyer Arthur Azzopardi was defence counsel.
Lawyers Franco Debono and Yanika Vidal appeared parte civile.