A folk singer (ghannej) was yesterday arraigned in court and pleaded guilty to threatening a colleague who was spreading the word that he was not a good singer. Mario Dimech, 39 of Birkirkara, was accused of threatening Victor Pace on Sunday in Triq il-Herba, Birkirkara. He was also accused of frightening him, breaching the public peace and being in possession of a knife without the necessary police licence. Dimech pleaded guilty to all charges however his lawyer argued that Mr Pace had provoked him. He also said that the victim was well known with the police and lawyers. The court, presided over by magistrate Anthony Vella fined Dimech e500 and told him not to speak or make contact with Mr Pace for a year. Police inspector Kevin Farrugia prosecuted while Dr Edward Gatt appeared for the accused.