Accused of stabbing migrant seven times during bar brawl

A 43-year-old man was yesterday charged with the attempted murder of an irregular immigrant who was stabbed seven times early on Tuesday in Marsa.

Emmanuel Pace, from Marsa, pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of Ismael Obasa Hussein, seriously injuring him, carrying a knife without a police licence and swearing in public. Police Inspector Joseph Agius told the court that a big fight broke out in a bar where Mr Pace allegedly stabbed Mr Hussein seven times.

The knife also punctured the victim's lung. The prosecuting officer said Mr Pace should not be allowed bail as he lives very close to the bar in question and to the witnesses for the prosecution who live in the area.

Magistrate Antonio Mizzi remanded Mr Pace in custody after considering the seriousness of the incident.

Lawyers Michael Grech and Shazoo Ghaznavi were defence counsel.