A 31-year-old man from Fgura was yesterday charged with attempted murder after he allegedly stabbed a man in Zejtun on Tuesday night.

Victor Said, from Fgura, pleaded not guilty before presiding Magistrate Joseph Apap Bologna to the charges of attempted murder and permanent disfigurement after, the court heard, he stabbed Louis Spiteri, 39, several times on Tuesday evening at around 11.30pm in Zejtun.

On Wednesday, the police issued a statement saying they were looking for Mr Said in connection with the incident. They were informed that a heated argument had allegedly developed between the two men into a fight during which one of the men was stabbed with a pointed weapon. The police immediately launched a search for the younger man, who fled the scene after the stabbing.

Prosecuting Inspector Michael Mallia told the court that the police were searching for the accused for over 24 hours and finally caught him when he went to his mother’s house.

When asked by the court about the Spiteri’s condition, Insp. Mallia said that, after the incident, Mr Spiteri was in a critical condition but is now stable.

Defence lawyer Franco Debono requested bail for his client but prosecution objected saying that there were a number of witnesses and added that the accused had been in court on several charges including theft and possession and trafficking of cannabis.

Mr Said also pleaded not guilty to the charges of carrying a knife without a police licence and assaulting Mr Spiteri.

He was also charged with breaching the peace and relapsing.

Magistrate Apap Bologna refused to grant Mr Said bail and remanded him in custody.

Police Inspectors Michael Mallia and Arthur Mercieca prosecuted while Dr Franco Debono and Dr Marion Camilleri appeared for Mr Said.