A man who stands accused of repeatedly stabbing his flatmate, seriously injuring him, told the police that he had done so after fearing that he would be shot.

An account of what allegedly took place was given in court this morning during the compilation of evidence again Neil Andrew Vella, 37, who is accused of stabbing Sandro Mifsud.

Police Inspector Elton Taliana said that the police were called to the men's flat in Birkirkara on November 12.

The police found blood all over the apartment.

Another man who also lived there, Fabian Schriha told the police that there had been an argument between the two.

Schriha told the police that there was an argument between Vella and Mifsud after Mifsud accused Vella of stealing  €45.

Schriha said he saw Vella forcefully stabbing Mifsud.

Vella and Mifsud initially told the police the same version of events, claiming that somebody had entered the apartment and stabbed Mifsud while he was in bed.

Later, however, Vella admitted stabbing Mifsud.

He told the police that the two had come to know each other in prison and got along well until Mifsud started to control him, taking his social benefits and even forcing him to steal. At one time, a few days before the incident, Mifsud showed him a pistol and said he intended to empty it into his head. 

On the day of the incident, Mifsud sent him to buy some tobacco, and when he returned, an argument ensued over the change.  At one time Mifsud turned towards a wardrobe. Vella thought he was about to fetch his pistol and therefore he grabbed a knife and stabbed him several times in a blind rage, he told the police.

The case continues.