A 27-year-old unemployed man from Zabbar today pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of his partner’s 10-month old baby. He was also accused of seriously injuring the baby and being in possession of cocaine and cannabis.

Prosecuting Officer Chris Pullicino said the baby is currently fighting for her life and is being operated on at Mater Dei hospital.

The man, dressed in a t-shirt and Bermudas, shook like a leaf throughout the proceedings.

The Police told Magistrate Antonio Trigona that the man has already been subjected to a court order due to the squalid conditions that the baby was living in.

Bail was denied.

The baby’s mother, a 24-year-old unemployed woman from Hamrun, pleaded not guilty to negligence and drug possession.

Her three other children were placed under a care order. They are expected to testify in the next sitting together with their father.

Magistrate Trigona granted the mother bail against a personal guarantee of €10,000. She was instructed not to speak to any of her children.

Publication of the couple’s names was banned.