The Libyan man who went on the stabbing spree on the early hours of Sunday morning was not part of the initial argument between three Libyans, a court heard today.

Ehab Zorgani, 22-years-old, has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and grievous bodily harm of Dutchman Antoon Van der Heire and Libyan Hadji Salah.

The court heard that he was only slightly over the alcohol limit.

He is also charged with causing grievous injuries to Richard Galea, Libyan Ali Muhannad Fadlalla, and another two Dutchmen (Brian Jan Bos and De Roo Neik).

CCTV footage was produced by the prosecution in court that captured the argument between Zorgani’s acquaintance whose name is still not yet known, and mr Salah.

Mr Salah was apparently very intoxicated and along with his friend Mr Fadlalla harassed a woman. Zorgani’s acquaintance approached Salah and told him that it was due to people like him that Arabs received a bad name. An argument between them then broke out.

Zorgani proceeded to produce a knife and slashed at Salah and Fadlalla.

Richard Galea, the Maltese, as well as his girlfriend gave testimony and said that they were walking down the hill to their car when Zorgani ran up the hill. He said that Zorgani then struck him.

His girlfriend said that after the attack, she saw Zorgani approach two men sitting on a wall to provoke them.

Mr Zorgani was finally arrested by the entrance of the Cynergy gym.

The three Dutchmen, who were not involved in the argument, were summoned to testify however had already left the island.

Magistrate Audrey Demicoli ruled that there was sufficient evidence for Mr Zorgani to be placed under a bill of indictment.