Gzira shooting caused by argument over electricity mains, court told

24-year-old Gzira resident Steven Saliba faced charges attempted grievous bodily harm using arms proper and carrying a weapon during the commission of a crime, among others

An argument over an electricity main in a garage complex has emerged as the cause of yesterday's shooting incident in Gzira.

Details emerged as 24-year-old Gzira resident Steven Saliba was arraigned before magistrate Gabriella Vella this afternoon.

Sources close to the case explained that an exchange of verbal insults, over the switching off of an electrical mains, escalated into threats of physical violence and eventually, a gunshot.

Inspectors Lara Butters and Joseph Mercieca charged the youth with attempted grievous bodily harm using arms proper, carrying a weapon during the commission of a crime, carrying an unsecured firearm whilst less than 200 metres away from an inhabited area, carrying a firearm without being in possession of the necessary licence, and manufacturing a firearm.

Saliba was also charged with insulting Roger Sciberras, breaching the peace, using obscene language in public and causing Sciberras fear that violence would be used against him or family members.

Defence lawyer Albert Zerafa entered a plea of not guilty to the charges. The lawyer argued that the other party had attacked Saliba with a knife and had threatened the accused and his father.

The police officers explained that the 24-year-old labourer had been arrested at the scene, shortly after the incident. Inspector Mercieca described the accused as having been cooperative at all times.

Zerafa requested bail, pointing out that there was no risk of the accused tampering with evidence. Inspector Mercieca agreed with the defence's assertion, however highlighted the risk of the incident being repeated.

Lawyer Stephen Farrugia Sacco, appearing in parte civile for Sciberras said that his client's garage is directly opposite that of the accused, whose criminal record was “not squeaky clean.”

“We are not here for the public outcry," said the lawyer, "but we must remember that the accused has shot at a man.”

The court, however, overruled this argument, reminding the lawyer that the accused was presumed innocent, adding that bail could not be withheld simply because of a fear that the crime could be repeated, especially since measures could be imposed to avoid the repetition of the crime.

Saliba was released on bail against a deposit of €1,000 and a personal guarantee of €5,000. He was also ordered to sign a bail book three times a week, observe a curfew, also being ordered to keep away from the garages and Sciberras' residence.

A protection order was placed over the parte civile and his family. The magistrate warned the accused of the consequences of him breaching any of these conditions.