The defence counsel in the trial by jury of David Schembri, 32, who is accused of the murder of Josette Scicluna in 2004, argued in court today that his client never intended to kill his former girlfriend but only to injure her.

Dr Joe Brincat told the jurors that out of the 49 stab wounds which Ms Scicluna was reported to have suffered, only four were actual stab wounds, the rest being slashes. And only one of the stab wounds was fatal - hitting an artery near the victim's left shoulder.

Dr Anthony Barbara, for the prosecution, said it was clear that the accused went to the apartment with the specific intention to kill Ms Scicluna, especially as he took a loaded revolver with him. His intent was also evident by the sheer number of wounds suffered by Ms Scicluna.

Jurors are expected to retire to deliberate tomorrow.

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