PL Qormi club stabbing: Man accused of attempted murder, denied bail

Alfred Galea was yesterday arraigned in court and charged with attempting to murder another man at the Labour Party club in Qormi.,

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him, but was denied bail by Magistrate Anthony Vella.

Mr Galea, 46, is charged with attempted murder, injuring the victim, carrying a sharp object without permission, breaching public peace and threatening the victim.

The incident took place on Sunday 6 November at roughly 3.45pm at the PL club in Triq San Bastjan, Qormi, when an argument ensued between two individuals. Sources say that the accused interfered to separate the two men involved. After this escalated, the accused is said to have taken out a penknife and assaulted the victim.

Prosecuting Inspector Roderick Agius objected to the defence lawyer’s request for bail, on the basis that some witnesses have yet to testify and that the accused has a criminal record. The man had been arraigned over two previous offences, one resulting in a conviction and the other in acquittal. In addition to this, Inspector Agius said that the victim is still in hospital recovering from the injury.

Defence lawyer Gianella de Marco argued that since the incident has been caught on CCTV footage, there is no risk of tampering with evidence. She also said that the accused is employed as a baker, and that should the courts grant him bail he would be able to adhere to any conditions imposed as well as continue to work.

The injured man was taken to hospital on Sunday and is still recovering there.

A magisterial inquiry led by Magistrate Antonio Micallef Trigona has been launched.