A 19-year-old pleaded not guilty after he was charged with stabbing his friend in the face during an argument they had in Marsascala yesterday.

Maverick Azzopardi, from Marsascala was charged with seriously injuring Gerson Portelli and with being in possession of a sharp and pointed instrument and carrying a weapon.  He was also charged with being in possession of cannabis.

Mr Portelli was stabbed in the face and ear and he also had stab wounds in his hands.

Defence lawyer Franco Debono said that his client caused the injuries in self-defence after being pushed and insulted.

Police Inspectors Josric Mifsud and Charlotte Curmi objected to his request for bail on the ground that the two were good friends, but Magistrate Aaron Bugeja granted the man bail, after Mr Azzopardi’s father said he was willing to step in to ensure that his son does not approach witnesses in the case.

Bail was granted against a €3,000 deposit and a €1,000 personal guarantee.