Noel Farrugia, 31 of Msida, has pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of Faiz Omar el Sellak and seriously injuring when he was stabbed in a flat in Marsa on July 22.

Inspector Daniel Zammit told a court yesterday that the victim, who had been living in Malta for a long time, was stabbed in the stomach and managed to survive only thanks to emergency surgery. He had told the police that he had had an argument with the accused over drugs and a woman.

Policemen went to the flat where the alleged fight had taken place and found that it had just been washed. They however found some splatters of blood.

Officers then spoke to Mr Farrugia, who admitted stabbing Mr Sellek, but claimed that he was provoked.

He had told the police that he was with his girlfriend, another man and the victim, snorting cocaine. Mr Sellek asked him for some drugs for free and when he refused, he started to harass his girlfriend. A fight ensued and Mr Farrugia said that since he thought the Libyan was about to produce a weapon, he struck him first. the inspector said.

The case continues.