Family brawl ends with stabbing

Nikolina Portelli, 45 and her son Larson Grech 22, were granted bail after pleading not guilty to attempting to stab sibling Alan Grech with a pocketknife. 

The incident happened in Matty Grima Street when the victim’s father-in-law Carmelo Tabone passed disrespectful comments about Portelli's former partner, who is currently serving a jail term. Larson Grech and Nikolina Portelli assaulted Tabone but Alan Grech tried to defend his father-in-law. 

The two brothers got into a fight during which Alan Grech was stabbed. He was hit on various parts of his body including his genitalia. The victim is currently recovering at Mater Dei Hospital after undergoing surgery. 

The two accused were granted bail against a deposit of €500 and a personal guarantee of €5,000. 

Cedric Mifsud appeared for the accused while Abigail Bugeja represented Alan Grech.

Inspector Roberto Said Sarreo prosecuted and informed the court that the victim himself will be arraigned in the coming days.