A Tunisian who allegedly mugged a Congolese man and left him with 12 sutures to his face and ear for just €20 was yesterday remanded in custody.

Said Bouslama, 43, who has been living in Malta since 1993, allegedly drove up to the victim, Anaclet Kumbi, on December 2, and together with another man beat him up and stole some €20.

Mr Kumbi was walking in St Paul's Bay and was on his mobile phone, speaking to his mother when the alleged incident took place.

Mr Bouslama pleaded not guilty to seriously injuring the victim, being an accomplice in the crime, holding Mr Kumbi against his will, carrying a knife during the commission of a crime, carrying a knife without a licence and relapsing.

Defence lawyer Gianella Caruana Curran told the court that the victim was never in any danger of dying and added that this has been a rather sensitive time for her client as his son died in a fire a year-and-a-half ago.

Police Inspector Anthony Portelli asked the court to deny bail as the victim still had to testify and also lives in the same village as the accused.

Magistrate Miriam Hayman remanded him in custody.

Lawyer Gianluca Caruana Curran also appeared for Mr Bouslama.

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