A man who was involved in a fight over a woman 10 years ago was yesterday given a suspended jail term after the prosecution decided to withdraw the original attempted murder charge.
Brian Gialanze, 31, of Żabbar, was meant to face a trial by jury for the attempted murder in Marsascala of another man, Ronald Barbara, 27, of Vittoriosa, on March 8, 2002.
However, before the trial began, Mr Justice Lawrence Quintano was informed the attempted murder charge was being dropped and, as a result, the accused had admitted charges that included trying to seriously injure Mr Barbara.
The prosecution, defence and court agreed on a punishment of a two-year jail term, suspended for four years.
According to the Bill of Indictment, Mr Barbara used to date Sherelene Scicluna but broke off their relationship after some 18 months.
However, Mr Barbara continued to have feelings for Ms Scicluna who had,in the meantime, started to date Mr Gialanze.
Mr Barbara was not pleased and one day, after a flare-up, Ms Scicluna told Mr Gialanze that he had threatened her.
This angered Mr Gialenze who wanted to get back at Mr Barbara.
Their rival gangs ended up in a free-for-all in Marsascala on March 2, 2002, and Mr Barbara was injured in the fight.
However, a few days later the two had a second confrontation over the same girl but this time Mr Gialanze was armed with a penknife.
Mr Barbara was stabbed in his stomach, hand and back. The penknife also penetrated his liver.
In court yesterday, instead of facing a trial by jury, Mr Gialanze pleaded guilty to attempting to seriously injure Mr Barbara,illegal possession and use of a knife and to breaching the peace.
Mr Justice Quintano sentenced Mr Gialanze for two years, suspended for four and ordered him to pay just over €900 in court expenses.
Lawyer Anġlu Farrugia appeared for the accused.