Man threatened brother with knife after study row

A 29-year-old man from San Gwann was today released on bail after pleading not guilty to grievously injuring his brother on Sunday following an argument about their educational achievments. 

Jonathan Sciberras also pleaded not guilty to voluntarily injuring his brother, and to carelessly injuring his brother by a knife.

Sources close to the investigation said that the incident occurred on 21 September at around 5pm in Triq il-Lunzjata, San Gwann. During the argument the brothers, who are both university students, argued who was better at schoolwork and boasted of their “superior intellect and education.”

It is then understood that the accused then brandished a knife at his brother, who in turn tried to block the knife by grabbing it from the blade, cutting the palm of his hand in process.

Standing before the court this morning, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges. In submissions for bail defence lawyer Jason Azzopardi told the court that the accused has a clean criminal record and that the injuries were accidental.

In its decree, the Court of Magistrates, presided by Magistrate Marseann Farrugia, granted Jonathan Sciberras bail against a personal guarantee of €3,000. He was also placed under curfew and ordered not to approach his father and brother until they tesitfy. 

Inspector Elton Taliana prosecuted while Lawyer Jason Azzopardi represented the accused.