Man remanded in custody for stabbing cousin over girlfriend

A 19-year-old youth from Hamrun was today remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to stabbing his cousin on Sunday afternoon.

The incident occurred on Sunday at around 5pm in Triq il-Miklem Malti, Marsascala, when the accused, Brandon Pace, allegedly stabbed his cousin – who is currently going out with Pace’s former girlfriend – in his lungs.

Sources told MaltaToday, that the victim, Ivan Farrugia, is currently in a relationship with the accused’s former girlfriend. Pace allegedly took exception at this relationship and the two men have been involved in a longstanding argument for a while.

The argument reached boiling point on Sunday, as Pace went to the girl’s house in Marsascala, and stabbed his cousin in the stomach.

The victim suffered grievous injuries as the stab wound brushed his lungs. Sources said that the victim spent two days in hospital, and was released from hospital this morning.

Standing before Magistrate Francesco Depasquale, Brandon Pace pleaded not guilty to causing grievous injuries to his cousin, and relapsing.

In submissions, defence lawyer Joe Giglio told the court that his client would not be requesting bail due to the “serious nature of the offence.” While upholding the defence’s plea, Magistrate Depasquale called on the prosecution to summon any witnesses involved as soon as possible.

Taking into account the defence’s plea, the court remanded the man in custody,

Inspector Robert Said Sarreo prosecuted, while lawyer Joe Giglio represented the accused.