A man who is facing criminal proceedings for allegedly stabbing a woman 49 times and who was supposed to be under house arrest was yesterday remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to trying to flee Malta.

David Norbert Schembri, from Sliema, is facing criminal proceedings in connection with the murder of Josette Scicluna on 3 May 2004. The woman was stabbed to death in the presence of their daughter in a flat in San Gwann.

Mr Schembri, who is awaiting trial, was charged with trying to run away from Malta on 24 June without a passport. He was also accused of relapsing. Before magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera, Mr Schembri pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him. He was refused bail and was remanded in custody.

Police inspector Christopher Pullicino prosecuted while Dr Joe Giglio appeared for the accused.