Son charged with stabbing father

A 29-year-old man has been remanded in custody after allegedly stabbing his father during an incident at the family home in San Ġwann.

Kurt Amato was arraigned under arrest before the Court of Magistrates on Friday over an incident which took place on 16 September.

Police from the St Julian’s district were called to the San Ġwann residence, where they found the accused together with his parents and sister.

The court heard that Amato had allegedly stabbed his father with a sharp instrument. His sister was described as being in a state of panic, screaming and shouting in fear when police arrived at the scene.

Amato was arrested at the residence, while an ambulance was called for his father. The injured man was taken to hospital, where his injuries were certified as slight.

Amato, who is unemployed due to medical conditions, pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him.

He was charged with slightly injuring his father with a cutting or pointed instrument, with the prosecution also citing the fact that the alleged victim is his parent as an aggravating circumstance.

Amato was further charged with causing his father, mother and sister to fear that violence would be used against them, assaulting his father, and insulting and threatening him.

No request for bail was made at this stage due to the fact that Amato lives with his parents and no alternative address was currently available, especially since his father is the alleged injured party.

Amato was consequently remanded in custody.

Inspector Omar Zammit prosecuted.

Lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri represented the accused.

Magistrate Marsanne Farrugia presided over the sitting.