Damiano Alfio Rannisi Torrisi, 39, was this morning charged with the attempted murder of Ivan Galea and Ronald Mallia, as well as injuring Galea and holding him against his will. Torrisi was also charged with extortion, and the theft of a vehicle.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him. The argument between the three men was about money.

Torrisi was found in an apartment, together with two other men,  in Triq il-Kahli in Mellieha Saturday evening after the police were  tipped-off.  The court heard that Torrisi was preparing to leave the country.

He was held under arrest.

In 2015, Torrisi was charged of committing a hold-up in a shop in Rabat.