The Court of Criminal Appeal has upheld the acquittal of Daniele Vitale on attempted-murder charges while adjusting his sentence for remaining offences to a two-year prison term, suspended for four years, alongside a four-year supervision order.

Vitale had been originally cleared of attempted murder in 2022 after the trial court accepted that he acted in self-defence during a violent confrontation with another man. The victim sustained multiple serious knife wounds - around 16 stab injuries to the chest, abdomen and arm - as outlined in the medical and factual findings included in the appeal judgment.

Although the severity of the injuries was undisputed, the first court found reasonable doubt as to whether Vitale had exceeded the limits of legitimate self-defence. The prosecution appealed, arguing for a conviction on attempted murder and a harsher punishment.

However, the Court of Criminal Appeal agreed with the lower court, stressing that prosecutors had not disproved self-defence beyond reasonable doubt. The judges highlighted the rapid and chaotic nature of the altercation and emphasised that proof of an intent to kill is essential for an attempted-murder conviction.

While confirming the acquittal on the gravest charge, the appellate court ruled that the remaining offences warranted consequences. After reviewing sentencing principles - including proportionality and the importance of rehabilitation - the court imposed a two-year sentence suspended for four years and ordered Vitale to be supervised by Probation Services for the same duration.

In its decision, the court took into account several mitigating factors: Vitale's clean criminal record, stable employment, and his adherence to previous court conditions. It also noted that the violence stemmed from a sudden confrontation rather than premeditation.

The ruling maintains the original finding that attempted murder was not proven, while adjusting the remaining penalties to reflect both accountability and the potential for rehabilitation.

Vitale was represented by lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri. Chief Justice Mark Chetcuti presided over the appeal together with Judges Edwina Grima and Giovanni Grixti.