Marsa man on trial for allegedly stabbing migrant seven times

A 46-year-old man went on trial today after having been charged with the attempted murder of an irregular immigrant who was stabbed seven times in Marsa.

Emmanuel Pace, from Marsa, is pleading 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. He said that on the morning in question, May 22, 2008, he  was informed at 3.25 a.m. that an injured man had been found in front of the Marsa police station.

It resulted that an argument originated at the Nationalist Party Club in Marsa. There was a blood trail from the club to the church, opposite the police station.

When he spoke to the accused, he noticed some blood on one of his legs and samples were taken.

The Inspector said the victim immediately mentioned 'Leli, Leli' (the accused).

The inspector said he went to the club  and looked inside a drawer where there were around 30 different knives which matched the description by the victim.

Three people had been involved in the fight,  someone known as Mario,  Ismael Hussein and the accused. The accused did not deny that he punched the victim. He said that he was at the club with Lawrence Anthony Camilleri and the victim knocked at the door and they told him that it was closed.

Another person, Eritrean Salem Zakarija also known as Mario, also appeared at the door. Mr Pace in his statement said that he heard a lot of noise at the door and we found a number of immigrants arguing.

He denied ever having stabbed the victim but said he punched him to make him go away.

During the sitting, the defence asked for the police statement to be removed because the accused was not accompanied by a lawyer before it was taken. Mr Justice Michael Mallia denied the request and said the jury had to decide this.

The trial continues.