Woman denied bail after alleged knife attack in Gżira

A 50-year-old unemployed woman was remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to a series of charges linked to an alleged violent assault and robbery in Gżira.

According to the prosecution, at around 1:50am on 27 July, the Gżira Police Station received a report from the Police Control Room about a fight between two women inside a flat in Gżira.

Police officers from the district and the Rapid Intervention Unit (RIU) responded to the scene. On their way, they encountered the accused, who claimed she had been attacked by another woman after going to give back €50 she had allegedly borrowed.

The accused further alleged the other woman had attacked her with a knife.

However, police searched the accused and allegedly found a knife and an iron bar in her possession.

When officers arrived at the flat, they were met by the alleged victim, who appeared to have sustained injuries. She was taken to hospital for treatment.

The woman was charged with causing grievous injuries, violent theft, threatening and insulting the victim, disturbing the public peace, and committing the offences as a recidivist.

During the arraignment, while confirming her personal details, the accused became visibly distressed, repeatedly crying out "…my son, my son," before pleading not guilty.

The defence requested bail, but the prosecution objected, arguing the accused knows where the alleged victim lives and pointing out that she is a repeat offender.

The court upheld the prosecution's objections and denied bail.

As she was being escorted out of the courtroom, the accused shouted towards the Attorney General's representative: "Why are you laughing? Don't you have children?"

The magistrate immediately ordered her to remain in the courtroom and warned that she could be fined for her behaviour.

Before any sanction was imposed, the accused apologised.

The magistrate replied that the apology should be directed to the prosecution's representative rather than to the court, and the accused complied before proceedings concluded.