Magistrate, police inspector comment on violent behaviour

It seems it has become almost fashionable to go to Paceville and fight, a police inspector said yesterday on the arraignment of a 16-year-old who is pleading not guilty to stabbing a teenager.

Police Inspector Daniel Zammit made the comment after the accused, who hails from Mosta, requested bail through his lawyer, Edward Gatt. Dr Gatt said his client had a clean police record and was defending himself when the incident happened on Wednesday night.

The accused, who cannot be named because he is a minor, pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of 18-year-old Gary Tanti from Sliema at about 1 a.m. on Thursday.

He also pleaded not guilty to seriously injuring the teenager, carrying a knife without a licence and breaching the peace.

Dr Gatt told Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit his client was badly beaten in the incident and was acting in self-defence when a large group of individuals surrounded him.

He did not even know them, he added.

The magistrate told the accused he should not get involved in fights in Paceville, which seemed to happen every day. “A Saturday night on the town could shape the rest of your future”, she added.

The teenager was granted bail against a personal guarantee of €10,000 and a deposit of €5,000.