A teenager was today charged with stabbing his friend in the face during an argument they had in Marsascala yesterday afternoon.

Maverick Azzopardi, 19, from Marsascala, pleaded not guilty to seriously injuring Gerson Portelli during an argument that got out of hand at 2pm on Tuesday in Lampuki Street in his hometown.

Mr Portelli was stabbed in the face and ear and also had stab wounds in his hands.

He was also charged with the illegal possession of a sharp and pointed instrument and carrying the weapon during the commission of a crime.

Mr Azzopardi was further charged with being in possession of cannabis resin.

Before Magistrate Aaron Bugeja, Mr Azzopardi pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him.

Police Inspectors Josric Mifsud and Charlotte Curmi objected to his request for bail on the ground that the two were “very good friends”.

But defence lawyer Franco Debono said his client was claiming self defence as he had been pushed and insulted prior to the stabbing.

In any case, he said, refusing bail purely because of tampering with evidence was inconceivable, as there were conditions that could ensure that this did not happen.

Magistrate Bugeja granted the man bail after he heard his father, Raymond, who was willing to step in as a guarantor.

Bail was granted against a €3,000 deposit and a €1,000 personal guarantee. He was also ordered to leave his house only between 7pm and 9pm daily, and only accompanied by his parents, and to refrain from speaking to the alleged victim or his relatives. A protection order was also issued.

Lawyers Marion Camilleri and Amadeus Cachia also appeared for Mr Azzopardi