A frail-looking, 68-year-old man was yesterday charged with the attempted murder of his sister-in-law who he allegedly stabbed in the back during a domestic argument on Monday afternoon. Edgar Zarb, from Marsa, pleaded not guilty to stabbing Evelyn Zarb twice. Police Inspector Anthony Portelli said the accused had an alcohol problem, adding it would be best if he was referred to the Mount Carmel Psychiatric Hospital until the first sitting. Legal aid lawyer Noel Bartolo pointed out that although the first charge was for attempted murder the second was for causing slight injury, which was in itself a contradiction.
Requesting bail for his client, the lawyer noted the injuries were not life-threatening.
Magistrate Edwina Grima remanded the man in custody at Mount Carmel Hospital’s forensic unit until he could be properly assessed.