A Libyan man has been charged in connection with the alleged attempted murder of a 21-year-old Englishman.

On Sunday evening, the man wanted in connection to the alleged attempted murder that occurred in the locality at the beginning of the month was arrested. At 8.30pm Sunday, the police had surrounded the suspect, a 37-year-old Libyan man, in Qui-Si-Sana. 

The court, presided over by Magistrate Monica Vella heard that Hisham Ali Abuagilla grievously injured the Englishman with a knife.The incident occurred on 6 August, at Tigne.

When arrested, Ali Abuagilla was searched, and was found to be in possession of a knife and packets believed to contain cocaine. The police searched his residence and found more packets containing what police believe to be cocaine, ecstasy and cannabis in circumstances indicating that they were not for personal use.Abuagilla was charged with attempted murder, breaching the peace, causing grievous injury and carrying a knife without a permit in public. He was also charged with being in possession of drugs.Lawyer Noel Bianco, who appeared on behalf of the accused, entered a not guilty plea.

The prosecution asked that a protection order be issued in favour of the Englishman.

Bail was requested by the defence.The defence said that the victim was out of hospital and so the charge was now attempted grievous injury. In addition, the defence said that the accused has strong ties to Malta.

The prosecution said that the charges were attempted homicide and that the victim has not testified up to this point. The prosecution also said that there is a real fear of the accused tampering with evidence.

Bail was denied.

Prosecution was led by lawyers George Camilleri and Etienne Savona from the Office of the Attorney General and assisted by the Inspectors Colin Sheldon and Wayne Camilleri. Lawyer Noel Bianco appeared for the accused.