A 27-year-old Libyan was sentenced to a year’s jail, suspended for two years, after pleading guilty before Magistrate Gabriella Vella that he lashed out at another Libyan with a blade on Sunday morning, causing serious facial injuries.

Khaled Al Shredi, who lives in Msida, said that at about 4am he was in Triq Santa Rita, Paceville, he had an argument with Mohammed Maruan and without the intention of killing him, injured him seriously, as certified by Dr Lianne Camilleri at Mater Dei Hospital.

Another Libyan, Mohammed Nouri El Jail, tried to defend his friend Maruan and he too became involved in the aggression. Mr Al Shredi admitted injuring Mr El Jali slightly.

Dr Veronique Dalli and Dr Jose Herrera were defence counsel. Inspector Godwin Scerri conducted the prosecution.