A man who stabbed a Libyan several times over a cycling incident was acting in self-defence, his lawyer insisted in court yesterday.

Chris Cardona said his client, Daniel Briffa, 25, of Birkirkara, used a knife because he was afraid of Nizar Mustafa Al-Gadi, who became aggressive during an argument over damage allegedly done to the Libyan’s car.

Mr Al-Gadi is currently facing criminal proceedings over the murder of his former partner, lawyer Margaret Mifsud, earlier this year.

Mr Briffa is charged with inflicting serious injuries to Mr Al-Gadi’s neck on the night of February 15, 2009.

The Libyan allegedly confronted Mr Briffa at Ta’ Paris in Birkirkara and accused him of hitting his car’s mirror while cycling.

Mr Briffa claims he was defending himself. He also denies illegal possession of a penknife and breaching public order.

Magistrate Edwina Grima deferred the case to October 24 for judgment.

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