A young man stabbed his cousin in the chest during an argument over a girl, a court heard yesterday.

Brandon Pace, 19, from Ħamrun, denied causing serious injury to Ivan Farrugia on Sunday afternoon.

Mr Pace got into an argument with Mr Farrugia over his relationship with Kimberley Vassallo, who had previously dated Mr Pace.

An argument broke out at Ms Vassallo’s home in Miklem Malti Street in Marsascala where Mr Farrugia was stabbed in the left side of his chest.

The wound was so deep his lungs were punctured, sourc­es close to the case said.

During the short arraignment yesterday, Mr Pace pleaded not guilty to causing serious injury to Mr Farrugia and relapsing.

Defence lawyer Joe Giglio did not request bail and Mr Pace was remanded in custody. Police inspector Robert Said Sarreo prosecuted.

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