Update 3: Gozo court stabbing victim hit 20 times

The man who was assaulted in a courtroom in Gozo on Wednesday had between 18 and 20 stab wounds all over his body, sources said yesterday.

Gozitan Pasqualino Cefai, 32, of Żebbuġ, is expected to be charged with the attempted murder of Joseph Portelli, 54, also of Żebbuġ, this afternoon.

Mr Portelli was flown to Mater Dei Hospital on Wednesday afternoon. He remained in a critical condition last night.

The incident happened around noon when the two men were before Magistrate Josette Demicoli, who is presiding over a civil suit involving the pair.

According to eyewitness accounts, Magistrate Demicoli ordered Mr Cefai out of the room following a number of “arrogant” remarks but, seconds later, he returned and lunged at Mr Portelli with a penknife. During the incident, Mr Portelli’s lawyer Kevin Mompalao was also slashed on his right elbow.

In the presence of Magistrate Demicoli, Mr Cefai kicked and punched Mr Portelli, stabbing him repeatedly even after the victim collapsed.

The incident shocked Gozitan lawyers, who condemned the slack security at the courts, saying they were ready to take action until it became safer and were even prepared not to appear at any sittings.

A metal detector was installed at the Gozo courts this morning.

The lawyers, who did not turn up in court today, said they had been appealing for better security measures for years and urged the authorities to “assume their responsibilities” and address the “unacceptable situation”.

The appeal intensified after May 2004, when Gozitan lawyer Michael Grech had been found dead in a garage that was under construction in Nadur.

Signed by 12 lawyers, including Dr Mompalao, the statement expressed solidarity with all those affected, including court employees and the magistrate. Another four lawyers have since joined in the protest.

“A person is fighting for his life while a colleague was injured doing his duty because of the lack of security at the Gozitan courts,” the lawyers said.

The incident was “particular” and “shocking” because it took place in court. It was not only a workplace but also an institution that clamped down on people who failed to observe health and safety laws at work, the lawyers said.

“All of those who work in court and even the public are not protected. After many promises, we want a metal detector and scanning system and security officers.”

One police officer for the entire building was not enough, they added.

Labour MP Justyne Caruana, who is one of the lawyers who signed the statement and who has been appealing for better security at the Gozo courts in Parliament for a long time, said this morning that some 16 lawyers did not turn up in court today in protest at the situation.

She said she was informed that instead of one policeman at the courts there were two today, one of them with the magistrate.

In a letter to lawyers yesterday, the Director of Courts promised that security was to be intensified and that equipment was to be brought over from Malta.

"We have to see when this will be done and what this equipment will be," she said.

In a statement yesterday afternoon, PL spokesman Jose Herrera said it was unacceptable that in spite of continuous pleas, security at the Gozo courts continued to be ignored.

He expressed solidarity with Gozitan lawyers and concern at the incident that had taken place.

Those responsible, he said, should explain the circumstances which led this this incident and assume responsibility.