A teenager was yesterday granted bail after pleading not guilty to stabbing his friend in the face.

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, Marsascala.

Mr Portelli sustained stab wounds to his face, ear and hands.

Mr Azzopardi was also charged with the illegal possession of a sharp and pointed instrument, carrying the weapon during the commission of a crime and being in possession of cannabis resin.

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

Defence lawyer Franco Debono said his client was claiming self-defence because he had been pushed and insulted prior to the stabbing. His client had been mocked about a personal matter, the lawyer added.

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

Magistrate Aaron Bugeja granted Mr Azzopardi bail after he heard his father, Raymond, declare that he was willing to step in and act as a guarantor.

The teen was granted bail against a €3,000 deposit and a €1,000 personal guarantee.

He was also ordered to leave his house only between 7am and 9pm daily, and only when accompanied by his parents, and to refrain from speaking to the alleged victim or his relatives.

A protection order was also issued.

The magistrate sternly warned Mr Azzopardi that any breaches of the conditions would not only result in his re-arrest and the forfeiture of the guarantee but would also put his father at risk of imprisonment since he had stood in as guarantor.

Lawyers Marion Camilleri and Amadeus Cachia also appeared for Mr Azzopardi.