A man recounted in court today how he was stabbed by his mother and his brother in a fight which took place in the presence of the victim's two young children in Matty Grima Street, Cospicua, on August 19.

Alan Grech, 25, was stabbed nine times.

His mother Nikolina Portelli, 45, and her son Larson Grech, 22, stand accused of causing serious injury.

Alan Grech said his mother and his brother turned up at his home at about 10.30 p.m. and started shouting for him to go down stairs. An argument developed over disparaging remarks about the Grech brothers’ father, who is in prison. The argument also involved Carmelo Tabone, the father of Alan Grech's girlfriend.

Larson and Alan Grech got into a fight  when Alan tried to defend Tabone.  Larson produced a flicknife and stabbed him.

Alan Grech said his mother then became involved and also stabbed him with another knife.

He said he was hit in several parts of his body and was covered in blood.

Mariwen Tabone, the victim's girlfriend, said that during the fight between the brothers, the mother stabbed Alan in the back.

The fight ended quickly as neighbours intervened.

The witness said she could remember that two knives were used. 

Laweyer Cedric Mifsud, representing the accused, requested bail. Dr Abigail Bugeja, representing the victims, said the Court had to send a strong message that this type of incidents could not be tolerated, more so when they happened before young children.

Magistrate Anthony Vella reserved the right to hand down a decision at a later point. The two were remanded in custody.