A fit of road rage over the use of the controversial bus lane on the Sliema Ferries ended with a man being struck three times with a keychain flick knife in front of his three children, a court heard yesterday.

Badr Abou Snaima, a 33-year-old self-employed Libyan plasterer, denied attempting to kill Kartal Samil Turkdogan when the two argued on the Gżira seafront on Saturday evening.

The prosecution is alleging that the two came to blows when the Turk told off the Libyan who almost hit him as he was crossing the bus lane with his partner and children. An argument ensued and the Turk was stabbed three times, once in the wrist and twice in the abdomen. The victim was fighting for his life but his condition improved although he is still being kept in intensive care. Sources close to the family said the tendons in Mr Turkdogan’s hands were cut and one of the blows perforated his lungs.

Mr Snaima appeared in court with bruises to his face. He did not request bail and was remanded in custody.

Police Inspector Saviour Baldacchino prosecuted. Lawyer Arthur Azzopardi appeared for the accused. Lawyers Giannella de Marco and Gianluca Caruana Curran appeared parte civile.