Man granted bail after attacking brother for smoking weed inside

A 27-year-old man was granted bail after pleading not guilty to charges relating to a violent argument with his sibling, which left the victim hospitalised.

The accused was charged with grievous bodily harm, threats and insults following an incident which took place on 7 January 2026 at a residence in Ħamrun.

The court heard that at around 4am, officers from the Domestic Violence Unit were called to the hospital after the sibling was admitted with injuries. Investigations revealed that an argument had broken out between the two at their maternal home after one of the siblings attempted to light a joint indoors. The accused allegedly told the victim to stop smoking inside before punching him in the head, causing him to fall to the floor, and then biting him.

Their mother told the court that the victim had repeatedly provoked the accused, explaining that the accused strongly objects to smoking inside the house and reacted in the heat of the moment.

The accused, who sells motorcycle parts for a living, pleaded not guilty to all charges brought against him.

At the outset of proceedings, the defence requested a ban on the publication of all names, arguing that the case involved siblings and sensitive family dynamics. The request was granted by the court. A protection order was also issued in favour of the alleged victim.

In submissions on bail, the defence argued that despite the seriousness of the charges, the family relationship meant that the risk of reoffending could be managed if a proper alternative address were imposed. The court heard that the parents of the accused are separated, with the victim reportedly living with the father. The defence also argued that the accused had been provoked, stating that the victim frequently smoked cannabis in the house, which caused ongoing tension.

The court noted that the accused’s criminal record showed a pattern of similar offences. It was also noted that the victim is currently undergoing a gender transition, having previously identified as female and now identifying as male, a situation which the court was told had added to the strain within the household.

Both parents testified. The father told the court that he was willing to house the victim at his residence in Marsa, away from the Ħamrun home. The mother described the complex circumstances surrounding the victim’s transition and substance use, stating that she no longer wished for the victim to live with her. She added, however, that she was willing to accommodate the accused, as the siblings would then be living separately.

After considering the evidence and submissions, the court granted bail to the accused on conditions, including residence requirements. A protection order was also issued against the victim, ensuring that the siblings remain apart while proceedings continue.

The case is being prosecuted by Inspector Christian Cauchi and AG lawyer Jennifer Polidano. The accused was assisted by legal aid lawyer Yanika Bugeja. Magistrate Nadia Helena Vella presided over the sitting.