A 49-year old man from Marsaxlokk was yesterday charged with stabbing his Nigerian girlfriend allegedly to stop her from having an abortion.

Joseph Cassar pleaded not guilty to trying to seriously hurt Rita Ogbobor when he stabbed her in the thigh, slightly injuring her, and to the illegal possession of a knife and relapsing on November 18 in St Pauls Bay.

Magistrate Tonio Micallef Trigona heard defence lawyer Robert Montalto explain that his client had reacted because he was afraid that Ms Ogbobor would terminate her pregnancy.

His client had also informed the police vice squad section to investigate Ms Ogbobor's alleged plans as abortion is a crime.

Mr Cassar was granted bail against a personal guarantee of Lm500 and is not allowed anywhere near Qawra where the victim lives.

Lawyers Roberto Montalto and Ian Farrugia appeared for the defence.

Police Inspector Paul Bond prosecuted.

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