A 21-year-old Libyan man was yesterday remanded in custody after he was charged with wilfully attempting to kill or grievously injure four police officers and three civilians by recklessly driving through St Julians on New Year's Day.

Hani S. B. Ali, of Zawia, Libya, who was staying in a hotel in Bugibba, was accused of attempting to kill police sergeant Shaun Tabone, police constables Robert Vassallo, Luke Bonello, and Anthony Axiaq as well as Shaun Sullivan of Vittoriosa, Monika Borg of Mosta and Analise Said of Zebbug.

Mr Ali was further charged with grievously injuring the same police officers and Ms Borg and with slightly injuring Mr Sullivan and Ms Said.

Mr Ali was also charged with violently resisting and threatening the police and disobeying legitimate police orders. He was further accused of driving under the influence of alcohol, refusing to take a breathalyser test, driving recklessly and without insurance cover, and with damaging two cars to the detriment of Carmela Muscat of Mellieha and Carmel Cassar of Zebbug.

Superintendent Raymond Vella Gregory and Inspector Carmelo Abela prosecuted.

Dr Roberto Montalto appeared for the accused.

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