An unemployed man alleged to have nearly killed his brother by slashing him across his chest in a petty argument was yesterday released on bail against a deposit of €100 and a personal guarantee of €20,000.
Vince Spalding, 22, allegedly attacked his 25-year-old brother Cliff with a pen knife at the three-roomed apartment they share with their mother and sister in Cospicua at 1 a.m. on Thursday.
Sources said the argument was over a mere milk carton.
The victim is recovering in hospital after undergoing surgery, Police Inspector Jesmond Borg, prosecuting, said.
Mr Spalding was arraigned sporting a tattoo on his neck reading “F*** the world”. He denied the charge of attempted murder, of seriously injuring his brother, threatening him, relapsing, committing a crime during the operative period of a suspended jail term and illegally being in possession of a knife.
His defence lawyer, Mark Busuttil requested bail, telling Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit his client could live with his girlfriend in Żurrieq.
The prosecuting officer said he had serious doubts the brothers would keep away from each other and he feared there might be tampering of evidence.
Dr Busuttil also requested that his client would not be forced to pay a deposit because he was unemployed and could not afford it, which would mean he would have to remain under arrest.
The magistrate asked the accused what sort of income he had and Mr Spalding said he lived on government handouts, which added up to €92 a week. He added he was looking for a job.
The prosecution asked the court to impose a deposit so that, at least, it would reflect the gravity of the charges.
The court granted Mr Spalding bail against a deposit of €100 but set a personal guarantee of €20,000, warning him of the consequences of breaching any of the conditions.
The accused was asked, as is normal procedure, to surrender his personal identification card to the court and he retorted wondering how he would be able to cash his welfare cheques without it. He was told he could apply for a temporary ID.