A man was yesterday charged with trying to kill another man when he allegedly stabbed him in a brawl at a Żejtun bar on Tuesday.

Victor Said, 31, from Fgura, was accused of stabbing Louis Spiteri at around 11.30 p.m. and of seriously injuring him.

He was also charged with being in possession of a sharp and pointed instrument at the time of the commission of a crime, carrying an unlicensed weapon, assaulting Mr Spiteri, breaching the peace and relapsing.

Mr Said pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Discussing a defence request for bail, Police Inspector Michael Mallia informed the court that the victim was in critical condition but was now stable.

He added that Mr Said had several convictions on his police record including theft and possession and trafficking cannabis.

The inspector said the fight started inside a bar and carried on outside. It then took the police one-and-a-half days to find the accused.

Magistrate Joseph Apap Bologna turned down the request for bail and Mr Said was remanded in custody.

Police Inspectors Michael Mallia and Arthur Mercieca prosecuted while lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri appeared for the accused.