A 21-year-old single mother who is accused of trying to kill her father on 12 August, was granted bail yesterday, after a magistrates’ court heard court experts testify in the compilation of evidence against her.

Analise Galea, from Birkirkara, is pleading not guilty to attempting to kill her 55-year-old father, Paul, when she allegedly stabbed him in the stomach. She is also being charged with being in possession of a knife without a licence.

Among the court experts who testified before magistrate Miriam Hayman yesterday, was Veronique Dalli, who was appointed to speak to the witnesses and visit the scene of the crime.

Putting forward her report in court, Dr Dalli said she could not agree with the charges against the woman. Rather, she told the court, there was enough evidence to press charges against Ms Galea’s father.

Mr Galea chose not to testify in order not to incriminate himself, since he is facing separate court proceedings. The girl’s brother and sister on the other hand, chose to exercise their legal right not to testify against their sister.

Defence lawyer Joe Brincat had requested the court to grant his client bail on a number of grounds, primarily that his client was acting in self-defence.

He had explained that as soon as his client arrived home, her father, who the defence claims was under the influence of alcohol, had started shouting at her and even grabbed her around the neck.

The woman was granted bail against a personal guarantee of Lm2,000 (EUR4,659). The case was put off to 12 October, when the prosecution is expected to put forward prima facie evidence for the woman to be indicted.

Police inspector Kevin Farrugia is prosecuting and Dr Joe Brincat appeared for Ms Galea.