Construction worker charged with attempted murder after alleged unprovoked club stabbing

A 37-year-old man from Pembroke was arraigned in court on Wednesday after allegedly stabbing a man in the neck during an incident at a prominent nightclub in Paceville.

David Jonathan Spiteri, who works in the construction industry, pleaded not guilty in front of Magistrate Yana Micallef Stafrace to charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to kill, disobeying police orders, resisting arrest, and carrying an unlicensed weapon.

Police were alerted to the incident in the early hours of Sunday after a bouncer reported that a person had been injured inside the club. Officers entered the premises and found the accused still inside.

The victim, a Syrian national, had been dancing when the accused, who was heavily intoxicated, approached and stumbled on a step nearby. 

The victim attempted to help the accused to his feet after the fall.

Moments later, the accused allegedly moved away before suddenly picking up an object from the ground and slashing the victim in the neck without warning. 

Spiteri proceeded to continue walking and got lost in the throng of people. 

The victim, who was bleeding heavily, managed to get out of the club to seek help. He collapsed near a police van stationed close to Burger King. 

On-duty officers administered first aid until an ambulance arrived.

The two men were not known to each other and had no prior interaction. 

While the victim was being treated, police arrested Spiteri inside the club.

Spiteri allegedly resisted arrest and attempted to conceal a knife behind his back, refusing to drop it. Bouncers had to assist officers in subduing him. 

He was later taken to Mater Dei Hospital due to his state of intoxication.

In court, the defence requested a ban on the publication of the accused’s name, and requested bail, arguing there was no risk of evidence tampering as the incident was captured on CCTV.

However, the prosecution objected, stating that investigations are still ongoing and that additional footage may yet be retrieved. 

The victim has also not yet testified, and the attack appeared entirely unprovoked, the prosecution said.

Both the defence and prosecution requested a protection order in favour of the victim.

The court denied the request for bail, citing the early stage of proceedings, but upheld the protection order.

In 2015, Spiteri had received a two-year suspended sentence after shooting a man in the back at close range during an incident in another club in Paceville.

AG lawyers Etienne Savona and Kaylie Bonett prosecuted, assisted by Inspector Dylan Pace.

Lawyers Michael Schiriha and Roberto Spiteri appeared for the accused.