Suspended sentence for stabbing partner in family argument

Micallef, and the victim Brian Pace, had been in a relationship for a number of years and had three children.

However their relationship was marked by a number of arguments as Micallef often used to warn Pace, a drug-addict and alcoholic, to change his lifestyle.

Some time before the incident the couple had broken up and entered into other relationships but later on they got back together and in June 2009, were once more living together.

On the night of the incident, the couple were in bed, an argument broke out and Pace punched Micallef in the back. She left the bedroom, and went to the kitchen warning him not to go near her or she would hit him with a knife.

Pace however followed her and as he moved closer she stabbed him with the knife in the stomach. As soon as she realised what she had done she phoned an ambulance and followed him to hospital. No further evidence of a fight was found in their home. 

The defence argued that the victim was drunk and Micallef acted in such a manner in self-defence. The court noted that both parties had given different versions in court; Pace had clearly spoken in such a way as to protect his girlfriend especially after he expressed the wish that she not be arraigned.

The court however noted that despite the very evident bruise on the accused’s back, she had plenty of time to not only move away from Pace but leave the apartment. Thus it was clear that she had acted in such a manner out of anger.

In its judgment, the Magistrate’s Court presided by Magistrate Doreen Clarke considered that the accused had a clean record and the victim had no interest in the proceedings, having chosen not to testify.

She was sentenced to one year imprisonment suspended for three years. Inspectors Chris Pullicino and Kevin Farrugia prosecuted.