Trial for attempted murder to start on Monday

Nicknamed ‘Ronnie’, Azzopardi, 39, from Bormla stands accused of attempting to murder Giovanni Spiteri, known as ‘Jonathan’ with a  firearm.

On the night between 5 and 6 January 2003 at around midnight, Azzopardi was accused of having approached the victim in Marsascala with his motorcycle while the latter was driving a car.

Azzopardi fired five shots in his direction, only succeeding in hitting the victim’s shoulder however.

The court heard how Spiteri lost control of the car and crashed into a wall, and subsequently managed to escape from Azzopardi.

The charges Azzopardi faces include recidivism, possessing a firearm in his possession without a license, and damaging the car driven by the Spiteri - belongs to a third party.

Lawyers Edward Gatt and Kris Busietta will be appearing for the accused.