A long-running argument between neighbours escalated to the point where one of them ran over the other with a pick-up truck yesterday, a court heard today.

The incident happened at about 8.30 a.m. and left Martin Chetcuti slightly injured.

His neighbour, Joseph Bugeja, 47, was accused today of attempted murder and driving dangerously.

The two have had a long-running dispute over a boundary wall. 

The court heard that yesterday, the accused started to pull down part of the wall. The victim's son rushed to file a police report while his father (the victim)  took pictures.The accused then ran over the victim with a pick-up van. The incident was recorded on CCTV .

Lawyer Leslie Cuschieri, appearing for the accused, said his client was merely obeying Mepa orders by reducing the height of this wall.

The accused pleaded not guilty.

Magistrate Carol Peralta at one point told Mr Bugeja that unfortunately he had seen him before, in the Mosta district sittings which he presided. He said the situation between these two families reminded him of the television show called The Real McCoys or The Beverley Hillbillies.

He said he was granting bail only because of the  presumption of innocence but he warned the accused not to violate the conditions. Bail was set against a deposit of €3,000 and personal guarantee €5,000.