An elderly man was handed a one-year jail term today after being found guilty of having injured another man during a brawl in Paceville 11 years ago.

Grezzju Gauci, 70, from Birkirkara was accused of attempted murder and of grievously injuring  22-year-old, Gilbert Spiteri, who had reportedly entered the fray in order to assist a friend. Mr Gauci was also accused of having carried a pointed weapon, of the unlicensed possession of such weapon as well as with being a relapser.

Magistrate Ian Farrugia heard how the incident took place when Mr Gauci became involved in an argument with a friend of the victim in the area of Pender Gardens on February 26, 2006 at around 4.45am.

This friend had been on a night out with the party, including Mr Spiteri, when he decided to call it a day and head back home. In his heavily drunken state, the man wandered around the streets and finally flopped down at a bus stop.

An argument somehow broke out between the man and a number of chauffeurs and bus drivers who happened to be on duty in the area. As the argument escalated giving way to a violent brawl, Mr Spiteri and his girlfriend happened to arrive on the scene.

Catching sight of his friend engaged in a violent tussle with the accused, Mr Spiteri rushed up to offer his help, pushing Mr Gauci to the ground in order to release his friend.

Just then Mr Gauci turned upon Mr Spiteri and stabbed him several times with a pointed instrument. One of the wounds penetrated several layers of skin and was deep enough to cause a muscle to bulge out. The victim was later certified as suffering from grievous injuries which resulted in a "mild sensory impairment " of the right hand.

The court, while commenting upon the gravity of the offence, in view of the fact that the victim had suffered injuries in the chest, chastised the accused for having committed the offence at an age when he ought to have more sense than enter a brawl with a 22 year old youngster.

Inspector Chris Pullicino prosecuted.

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