A Fgura businessman targeted in a failed bomb attack in January had suffered a terrible shock which had kept him indoors for days.

This information was revealed in open court by the victim himself when testifying on Thursday in the compilation of evidence against Lorenzo Callus, known as 'ħeswes', Paul Farrugia, known as 'kwattru', and Jonathan Farrugia, known as 'Ġanni ta’ Nina.’

The three men 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.

Earlier, 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.

Mr Scicluna, a car dealer also involved in the construction industry, on Thursday explained, before presiding magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit, how on that fateful January 4 day, he had received a call from his partner telling him about the suspected attempt.

Finding it hard to believe her story, he had called a trusted mechanic asking him to take a look at the Pajero parked outside his home, being informed some time later that certain equipment lying on the ground had nothing to do with the vehicle.

The man explained that Paul Farrugia, one of the accused, was a familiar face in the construction industry, while Jonathan Farrugia had a boat which was kept close to his own boat.

Some fortnight after the failed attempt, Paul Farrugia had paid him a visit to express his solidarity, Mr Scicluna told the court, also recalling how Jonathan Farrugia had twice driven past his home, even greeting him, just a few days before the incident.

The victim’s partner and mother of his three children, Elaine Galdes, also took the witness stand to recount how she had heard a loud “pop” whilst looking out of the balcony.

Noticing a small gathering out on the street, she decided to check what was going on, being told that there was some sort of equipment lying on the ground.

The woman, on the verge of tears, recalled how she had last driven the family car on New Year’s Day when she had accompanied the couple’s children to watch a movie in St Julian’s.

She also declared that she knew none of the three men seated in the dock.

The case continues.

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.