Bail granted in stabbing case

Noel Mizzi, who stands charged with trying to kill Albert Mark Sammut by stabbing him repeatedly with a pointed instrument and permanently scarring him in Paceville on April 21, was yesterday granted bail against a deposit of Lm500 and a personal guarantee of Lm1,000.

The court, presided by Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera, decided to grant bail after hearing one of the few remaining witnesses.

Surgeon Ernest Ellul testified that he had operated on Sammut after he was admitted to the emergency department. Mr Ellul said the victim had two stab wounds in his abdomen and another stab wound in his upper right arm.

The stab wounds had openings of about two centimetres and, although the victim was in a stable condition, he decided to operate to see if any vital organs had been damaged. During surgery it became apparent that there was no such damage but an orthopaedic surgeon had to intervene because there were problems with the stab wound in the victim`s arm.

The defence asked for bail which was opposed by the prosecution on the grounds of the seriousness of the case.

In upholding the request, apart from the deposit, the court banned the accused, who is a mini bus driver, from going to Paceville under any pretext.

The case continues.

Police Inspectors David Saliba and Mario Tonna prosecuted.

Dr Michael Sciriha and Dr Philip Farrugia Galea appeared for Mizzi.

Dr Anglu Farrugia appeared for the victim.