The metal detector frame recently installed at the Gozo courts had been removed from Malta’s court last year and replaced with a more efficient scanner.

Set up four days after a man and his lawyer were stabbed before a magistrate by another man wielding a penknife, the metal detector was installed at the entrance following a request for assistance from the Gozitan ministry, which is responsible for the Gozo courts.

A Justice Ministry spokesman said the metal scanner was used by the Maltese courts some months ago.

It had been replaced by a bigger, faster scanner to keep up with the volume of people who go to the Maltese courts each day.

The previous detector, which according to the spokesman was not damaged and functioned properly, was put away.

Criticised for years by Gozitan lawyers, the lax security system at the Gozo courts almost cost the life of Joseph Portelli, 54, from Żebbuġ, who was stabbed some 20 times while his lawyer Kevin Mompalao’s elbow was slashed.

Pasqualino Cefai, 37, of Żebbuġ, who has been charged with attempted murder and injuring the men, has pleaded not guilty.

While welcoming the new equipment, five Gozitan lawyers told The Sunday Times they were angry that their pleas for such measures had been ignored for years.

When asked why it had taken so long, a Justice Ministry spokesman said: “When the Gozo courts requested help, it was provided by the Maltese courts.”

A Gozo ministry spokesman said security at the courts was “enhanced through the installation of security equipment, which includes a walk-through, metal detectors and competent security personnel”, through the collaboration of the concerned ministries.

“All individuals have to go through the walk-through metal detector, after they are manually frisked by security personnel. Handheld metal detectors are also available.”

The number of police officers on duty was also increased.