The man who stabbed his victim inside a courtroom two years ago has been found guilty of causing serious injury, but he was cleared of attempted murder.

Pasqualino Cefai, 39, from Żebbuġ, Gozo was found guilty by six votes to three of seriously Joseph Portelli, 57, also of Żebbuġ, as well as slightly injuring a lawyer.

The judgment is expected on Monday.

Jurors had been deliberating since yesterday afternoon.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to attempting to kill Mr Portelli during a court case in full view of a magistrate.

Mr Cefai sought to prevent Mr Portelli from executing a warrant of seizure of two trucks which had been demanded as payment for an outstanding debt of €10,000.

Seconds before the frenzied knife attack in which the victim sustained 14 knife-related injuries, Magistrate Josette Demicoli had ordered Mr Cefai out of the court room after he interrupted the proceedings. In a flash, he stormed back in and assaulted Mr Portelli.

Mr Cefai's defence counsel did not contest facts but argued their client never meant to commit murder as Mr Portelli only sustained two stab wounds. The other injuries were slash marks.