A Georgian national was yesterday charged with knifing a man in Sliema on Sunday evening.
Vladislav Mironich, also known as Lado, who works as a barman, pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of Rakhimov Bakhtiyor, seriously injuring him, being in possession of a knife without a licence and breaching the peace.
Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera heard how Mr Bakhtiyor has now been released from hospital and is recovering.
Police Inspector Silvio Valletta told the court that while in custody, Mr Mironich had allegedly threatened a witness who was in the same cell.
Lawyer Richard Sladden, appearing for the accused, said this fact could not be taken into consideration because, he claimed, these were unfounded allegations and his client was innocent until proven guilty.
Magistrate Scerri Herrera granted Mr Mironich bail against a deposit of €10,000 (Lm4,291.84) and a personal guarantee of €5,000 (Lm2,145.92).
Police Inspectors Jesmond Micallef and Ann Marie Micallef formed part of the prosecution team.