Charges against Paul Sheehan, the former driver of minister Manuel Mallia have been downgraded and he is no longer accused of attempted homicide, a court was informed today.

Sheehan, a 43-year-old police constable, was taken to court after chasing and shooting at a car which had hit and caused slight damage to the ministerial car on November 19, 2015.

Sheehan was subsequently accused of the attempted murder of Steven Smith after having shot at and hit his car, although it was subsequently claimed that he fired in the air.

READ: Bullet fired by Sheehan lodged itself in fuel pipe

In the ensuing controversy and amid claims of a cover-up Dr Mallia was removed from his post as Home Affairs Minister and the Acting Police Commissioner, Raymond Zammit, reverted to his old post. 

In July Mr Smith was fined for driving carelessly and under the influence but cleared of having threatening Mr Sheehan with a Heineken glass bottle, assaulting him and disobeyed his orders.

Mr Sheehan still faces charges of intimidation using a weapon, causing damage, firing a firearm in a public place,  breaching the peace, exceeding the limits of his authority and committing a crime that he was duty bound to prevent.

He will, however, not face a jury.

READ: Minister's driver shooting incident: former police chief insists there was no cover up