Attempted murder suspect granted bail

A Valletta man who has been under preventive custody since his alleged involvement in a shooting close to St Elmo on June 16, has been granted bail as the compilation of evidence against him draws to a close.  Massimo Caruana, a 35-year-old unemployed man, stands charged with the attempted murder of Noel Mifsud when he allegedly shot him in the leg in Triq l-Ixprun, Valletta. Mr Caruana is also charged with carrying an unlicensed weapon during the commission of a crime, slightly injuring Mr Mifsud, threatening Mr Mifsud and his father, Alfred, and breaching the peace. Mr Caruana, who has other pending criminal proceedings, some dating back to 2006, is also further accused of breaching the bail conditions in two pending cases and relapsing. As the compilation of evidence against him continued, presiding Magistrate Josette Demicoli upheld a request for bail against a €6,000 deposit and a €10,000 personal guarantee.  She ordered him to be home by 9.30pm every evening and remain home until 7am the following morning. He must also sign the bail book at the Valletta police station daily.  The court has heard how the shooting incident was the culmination of a long-standing dispute...