Kenneth Micallef, 25, from Dingli, was remanded in custody this afternoon after being accused of the attempted murder of Ivan Attard during a fight at Rabat Labour Party Club on Sunday evening.

Mr Micallef pleaded not guilty.

Police Inspector Sarah Magri said the victim has been in a grievous condition since Sunday and only showed some slight improvement today. He has not spoken yet.

Lawyers Andy Ellul and Vince Micallef said that the case revolved around a fight between the clique of the victim and others, not involving the accused. Some 40 people were present in the club.

Inspector Magri said the victim was not injured by the clique but by the accused. She said that more people would be arraigned in connection with the case.

The accused in a statement told the police that he had been near a billiards table when he was approached by someone brandishing a bottle and he defended himself and punched this man several times after knocking the bottle out of his hands.