A man was yesterday accused of trying to kill two Romanian nationals during a fight on St Rita steps, in Paceville on Saturday.

Joseph Buhagiar, 42, of Vittoriosa, pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of Vasile Cojocaru and George Mendo, seriously injuring them, carrying what is believed to be a flick-knife and breaching the peace. Mr Cojocaru was allegedly stabbed eight times, one of the wounds being close to his heart, sources said.

Defence lawyer Arthur Azzopardi did not request bail and asked Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani to order a psychiatric assessment of his client to determine whether he should be kept at Corradino prison or at the forensic unit at Mount Carmel Hospital.

Police Inspectors Carlos Cordina and Luke Bonello prosecuted.

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