A Gozitan man yesterday pleaded not guilty to attempted murder during a court sitting in Gozo on Wednesday.

Pasqualino Cefai, 37, of Żebbuġ was charged with stabbing Joseph Portelli, 54, also of Żebbuġ, grievously injuring him.

Escorted by at least nine police officers, Mr Cefai was also accused of attempting to cause serious injuries to Mr Portelli’s lawyer, Kevin Mompalao.

Mr Portelli was stabbed about 20 times and was yesterday in a critical condition at Mater Dei Hospital. Dr Mompalao required seven stitches to his right elbow.

Wearing a red top with white stripes, Mr Cefai pleaded not guilty to slightly injuring Dr Mompalao and causing more than €1,400 worth of damage inside the courtroom.

He was also charged with being in possession of a penknife without a police licence, breaching bail conditions, committing a crime during a suspended sentence and relapsing.

Police Inspector Chris Pullicino, prosecuting, explained to Magistrate Paul Coppini that the police could not speak to Mr Cefai after the incident because he had been sent to Mount Carmel Hospital.

After being given the go-ahead by a court-appointed expert, who spoke to Mr Cefai, the police interrogated him, took his statement and arrested him, all within the stipulated 48 hours laid down by law, Mr Pullicino said.

Lawyer Joshua Grech, who was ordered by the court to appear for Mr Cefai because his defence counsel was not present for the arraignment, requested bail.

The prosecution objected because of the nature of the crime and also because there were still witnesses to be heard.

Magistrate Coppini remanded the accused in custody at Corradino Correctional Facility. Police Inspector Bernard Spiteri also prosecuted.