A Gozitan man yesterday denied trying to murder his former partner by stabbing her in the head with a screwdriver and causing her critical injuries.

Xandru Mamo, 43, of Xagħra, appeared before a magistrate in the Gozo courts charged with the attempted murder of 48-year-old Sylvia Zammit.

The incident took place on Saturday morning at around 7am at the victim’s residence in Ġużeppi Grech Street, Xagħra.

Mr Mamo also pleaded not guilty to grievously injuring his ex-partner and causing her and their 10-year-old son to fear for their lives. He was further charged with relapsing.

Police sources said the woman was stabbed more than once, sustaining at least one severe wound to the head

Magistrate Josette Demicoli refused a request from defence lawyer Joseph Grech to grant Mr Mamo bail and remanded him in preventive custody.

Police Inspector Frank Tabone prosecuted. The police believe Mr Mamo went to Ms Zammit’s residence and an argument broke out between the two.

Police sources said the woman was stabbed more than once with the screwdriver, sustaining at least one severe wound to the head.

Ms Zammit was found by the police lying on her bed with a pool of blood around her head.

She was taken to Gozo General Hospital and later airlifted to Mater Dei Hospital by helicopter for further treatment.

Sources said the police had been alerted by the archpriest of Xagħra after he received a phone call from Ms Zammit begging him to save her life.

She was operated on yesterday but was still in a critical condition.