A man who stabbed his wife's lover when he caught the two in bed after he returned home from work early insisted in court this afternoon that his crime was excusable.

Magistrate Antonio Micallef Trigona heard defence lawyer Roberto Montalto explain how his 38-year-old client, whose name cannot be published by court order, was threatened and provoked and was reacting with sudden passion when he found himself in that situation.

Sources said the man stabbed his wife's lover when the latter threw a mug at him.

The incident happened yesterday at the Paola matrimonial home at 10.30am.

The case was deferred for judgment. In the meantime, the accused was granted bail against a €5,000 personal guarantee and on condition that he would reside at his parents and does not approach his wife.

The prosecution asked for a protection order for the victim and the wife but the court turned down the request, saying this was "not necessary".

Police Inspector Spiridione Zammit prosecuted.

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