Rowdy scenes in court

There were rowdy scenes in court yesterday after three youths were remanded in custody when they pleaded not guilty to trying to kill a Libyan by stabbing him seven times.

Jacqueline Bugeja, screamed and shouted, collapsing onto the floor and then desperately held onto one of her son's neck as she left the courtroom.

The police had to call for back-up to restrain the family members, which included the uncle of the accused and the father.

The shouting continued for about 10 minutes with the woman's husband, Francis, also venting out his frustration, yelling after he tried in vain to stop his wife from making such a scene. She had to be carried out of the courtroom by her eldest son and the uncle of the accused.

Her sons, Francis, 22, Kevin, 19, and a 17-year-old, who cannot be named because of his age, pleaded not guilty to trying to kill Khaled Mohamed Baara and carrying a weapon.

The youngest of the three also denied driving an Isuzu Gemini without a licence and breaching the conditions of a previous release.

The victim and the accused had allegedly been involved in an argument about two months ago. Last Monday at about 1 p.m., the accused reportedly tried to strike a compromise over the matter that had led to their disagreement and the argument. Instead, it ended up in a fight in which the accused allegedly stabbed the victim seven times, even puncturing his lung.

Police Inspector Jesmond Borg asked the court to deny bail as there was an "imminent danger that evidence could be tampered with", adding that the case was very serious.

However, defence lawyer Arthur Azzopardi said that the "boys" were all employed, adding that they had a close family bond that would keep them in check.

The prosecution reacted arguing that the incident was not just any fight and that it was evident there was a clear intention to harm.

Magistrate Edwina Grima remanded the accused in custody.

Lawyer Manuel Mallia also appeared for the accused.