Second arraignment over 'massive fight' in Senglea

A second young man has been arraigned in connection with a "massive brawl" that erupted in Senglea last Friday.

Keith Vella, 20, appeared in court with two large stitched-up gashes on his neck. He pleaded not guilty to seriously injuring another man with a screwdriver.

Police Inspector Jesmond Borg told the court Mr Vella's former girlfriend had left him for another young man. A fight, which broke out after a confrontation between the accused and the victim, escalated into a "massive brawl".

Mr Vella also pleaded not guilty to breaching the peace, swearing, using the screwdriver as a weapon and breaching the conditions of a previous release.

During submissions on bail, the prosecuting officer highlighted the seriousness of the charges and defence lawyer Marion Camilleri made comparisons with the other man allegedly involved in the fight and who was granted bail on Monday.

Magistrate Edwina Grima granted Mr Vella bail against a personal guarantee of €10,000 and a deposit of €1,000. She ordered him to stay away from the Senglea Regatta Club for fear of tampering with evidence.

Lawyer Franco Debono also appeared for Mr Vella.