Man denied bail over alleged threats and attempted hit-and-run

A 31-year-old Munxar resident has been remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to charges that he threatened another man and attempted to run him over.

Godwin Attard was arraigned before Magistrate Jean Paul Grech on Monday and faced a number of charges, including breaching conditions imposed under two separate bail decrees.

The prosecution told the court that the case originated from a police report filed on 16 June. According to investigators, Attard allegedly issued death threats towards another man before pursuing him with his vehicle and attempting to hit him. Following the complaint, police obtained an arrest warrant and apprehended Attard in the early hours of Monday morning.

During the proceedings, defence lawyers argued that the circumstances surrounding the case were more complex than presented by the prosecution. They referred to claims made by the accused that the complainant had previously vandalised his vehicle by throwing paint at it and had repeatedly sent threatening and offensive messages to both him and members of his family.

The prosecuting inspector confirmed that these allegations had been raised by Attard during questioning.

Seeking bail, the defence maintained that their client had been subjected to ongoing provocation and harassment. They argued that Attard's failure to lodge his own police complaint was the only mistake he had made and insisted there were two sides to the dispute.

Lawyers for the accused submitted that, given the background to the case, bail would be an appropriate measure while proceedings continue.

The prosecution opposed the request, warning that key witnesses, including the alleged victim, have yet to testify. Investigators also expressed concern that releasing the accused could potentially interfere with the collection of evidence.

Another factor raised by the prosecution was Attard's alleged failure to comply with conditions attached to two existing bail orders.

In his decision, Magistrate Grech rejected the bail request, citing the fact that important witnesses have not yet given evidence and noting that the accused had recently appeared before the same court in connection with alleged breaches of previous bail conditions.

Inspector Josef Gauci prosecuted, while lawyers Franco Debono and Adreana Zammit appeared for the defence.