A man who admitted to stabbing another man during a fight at a St Venera bar was spared jail because of his efforts to reform himself.

The case dates back to October 2013 when 60-year-old George Vella had been charged with disfiguring the victim’s face and neck with a knife. He had also been accused of attempted murder but this charge was withdrawn during proceedings.  He subsequently filed a guilty plea.

In its decision, the court, presided by Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech, took into consideration a psychiatrist’s report on the accused, as well as the feedback from the probation officer, who confirmed that Mr Vella had beaten his drug addiction.

As for his criminal record, the magistrate pointed out that his last conviction dated back to 1992. Consequently, an effective jail term would harm his chances of re-integrating in society under the appropriate supervision.

She jailed him for two years suspended for four and fined him €116. He was also ordered to pay €4,950 in court expenses.

The court issued a three-year protection order in the victim’s favour, during which the accused would be put under a treatment order.

Lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri were defence counsel, while police inspector Robert Vella prosecuted.