A mother and son were yesterday charged with stabbing her elder son after he allegedly failed to stick up for his father in an argument between two families that got out of hand.

Nikolina Portelli, 45, and her son Larson Grech, 22, both from Cospicua, were accused of attempting to seriously injure Alan Grech, 25, with a pen knife in Matty Grima Street, Cospicua.

They were also accused of assaulting Mr Grech and his girlfriend’s father, Carmelo Tabone.

The argument started when Mr Tabone made disparaging remarks about the Grech brothers’ father, who is in prison, Police Inspector Robert Said Sarreo told the court.

Larson Grech assaulted Mr Tabone and Alan Grech went to his defence, the inspector said.

The argument escalated into a fight between the brothers and the mother got involved, with Alan Grech ending up with stab wounds to various parts of his body including his penis, buttocks and arms.

Mr Tabone made disparaging remarks about the Grech brothers’ father, who is in prison

The nature of his wounds are not serious but that could change, said the inspector, who added that the charges could then change to reflect the injuries.

Alan Grech, who is in hospital, will also be facing charges, he said.

The inspector said Ms Portelli told the police her son should have never got involved and should not have sided with an outsider instead of sticking up for his own father.

In opposing a request for bail, Mr Said Sarreo said investigations were still underway and there were eyewitnesses who had seen the whole incident.

Magistrate Gabriella Vella granted the mother and son bail against a deposit of €500 and a personal guarantee of €5,000.

She also laid down a condition that they do not speak to Alan Grech, his girlfriend or Mr Tabone.

Moreover, she ordered them to stay indoors between 8pm and 8am.

Lawyer Cedric Mifsud appeared for the accused.