Hawker arraigned in court over City Gate stabbing

Bjorn Grech, of St Paul's Bay, was this afternoon arraigned in court of attempting to seriously injure a fellow hawker yesterday afternoon.

The 28-year-old initially fled the scene at City Gate after he had knifed a 43-year-old from Marsascala.

However, he later turned himself in.

The court heard how the argument broke out between the two hawkers over an alleged piece of jewellery.

Grech was also accused of the illegal possession of a weapon and disturbing the peace. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

During bail proceedings, Defence Counsel Marco Spiteri and Franco Debono argued that the injuries were not serious, a claim agreed upon by the prosecution.

Nevertheless, the prosecution argued that despite being slight, the injuries suffered by the victim were inflicted by a knife.

The court granted the accused bail against a deposit of €1,000 and a personal guarantee of €5,000.

Grech was also ordered to stay away from the victim and his family.

Inspector Kylie Borg prosecuted.