Two neighbours were yesterday charged following an argument over a former lover in which one of them was stabbed in the hand.

Ramona Magri, 31, and Wendy Gauci, 24, both from Qormi, were arraigned over the fight which was described by police as the climax of a long-standing dispute.

Police inspector Roderick Agius told Magistrate Carol Peralta that the dispute began some time ago when the two women argued over a man in Paceville. A number of SMSs had since been exchanged and the argument escalated resulting in the fight on Wednesday evening.

He said the two women lived in the same block of apartments but Ms Agius had since moved out.

Ms Magri pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of her neighbour when she allegedly stabbed her in the hand as Ms Agius lifted it to defend herself.

Ms Magri also denied causing serious injury, voluntary damage, being in illegal possession of a knife, breaching the peace and driving dangerously.

Ms Agius, on the other hand, pleaded not guilty to voluntary damage, assaulting Ms Magri and driving dangerously.

Lawyer Arthur Azzopardi, representing Ms Agius, said his client was also subjected to disparaging remarks on Facebook even on the morning of the arraignments.

He requested bail, saying Ms Agius had moved out of the apartment. Magistrate Peralta granted her bail against a personal guarantee of €1,000.

Lawyer Franco Debono, representing Ms Magri, said that once Ms Agius had been granted bail, then so should his own client.

The magistrate granted her bail against a personal guarantee of €3,000.