A court this morning heard submissions on punishment after Pasqualino Cefai, 38 of Zebbug, Gozo, on Friday was convicted of seriously injuring another man in a courtroom stabbing.

The jurors had found Mr Cefai guilty of stabbing Joseph Portelli and seriously injuring him, but not guilty of attempted murder. Mr Portelli had been stabbed at least 14 times in a Gozo courtroom during a sitting two years ago.

The two were in court as Mr Cefai sought to prevent Mr Portelli from executing a warrant of seizure of two trucks which had been demanded as payment for an outstanding debt of €10,000.

Taking the witness stand this morning, psychiatrist Anton Grech said he saw Mr Cefai and treated him for depression on five occasions before and after the stabbing.

Mr Cefai's mother Tereza, said that the last payment to Mr Portelli had been made recently. Mr Cefai had paid Mr Portelli, €12,000 and the balance remaining was of €666.

Prosecuting officer Lara Lanfranco, said that it was irrelevant that the money was paid. Once a crime was committed the accused could not blame the factthat  he was not taking medication.

The victim suffered 14 stab wounds and could have died.

She pointed out that Mr Cefai had already been found guilty in 2011 of injuring Mr Portelli. He had a colourful criminal record and the prosecution was therefore seeking the maximum possible sentence.

Defence lawyer Edward Gatt, said his client was a sick man. In reference to the breach of bail charge which he admitted, the lawyer asked the judge not to confiscate the deposit and personal guarantee made as part of the bail conditions as that would put the Cefai family in financial straits.

Sentencing in on Wednesday.