Teenager arraigned over Luqa argument

A seemingly pointless argument ended up having serious consequences with one man suffering a slash on his lower back and his assailant facing charges in court.

The argument started after one of the men apparently looked at the other menacingly when they were in Ġużeppi Ellul Street in Luqa, sources said. The incident occurred at about 10 p.m. on Tuesday.

Joseph Schembri, 19, of Luqa denied having hit Joseph Muscat with a penknife during the argument. He pleaded not guilty to trying to cause grievous bodily harm, causing slight injury and illegally carrying a weapon.

Defence lawyer Giannella Caruana Curran told Magistrate Anthony Vella her client was surrounded by a group of men when the incident happened, insisting he acted in self-defence.

Police Inspector Tony Cachia had no objection to the accused being released on bail, provided there was no contact between him and the victim.

The court granted the accused bail against a personal guarantee of €2,000.

Lawyer Joseph Giglio also appeared for the accused.