A 57-year-old man from Sta Venera was today accused of attempted murder after another man was stabbed at Union Bar, Sta Venera, on Saturday.

The accused, who has a history of psychiatric problems, was accused of stabbing the man in the neck, seriously injuring him.

"The victim is lucky to still be alive," Inspector Robert Vella told the court.

He said there had been a fight between the two men and there were several people who had seen the accused hit the victim with a knife before he fled.

The police found the accused a few streets down from the bar. He was covered in blood. The knife was found a short time later.

Defence counsel Franco Debono said the accused's last criminal conviction, related to traffic, was over 25 years ago.

He asked for a psychiatric assessment and, if bail was refused, for the accused to be placed under house arrest in view of his mental condition.

The accused's wife, taking the witness stand, was asked by the Magistrate whether she could keep the accused under control if he was to stay at home.

She said she was able to take care of him.

The court pointed out, however, that he would need to be kept under proper care around the clock.

The court that remanded the accused in custody with a recommendation that he be kept in the Forensic Unit of Mt Carmel Hospital.