Witness questioned over brawl that left teen with slashed face

A friend of three people accused of a fight that left a 17-year-old girl with a slashed face was reminded in court that CCTV footage appeared to contradict parts of his testimony.  

The witness appeared before Magistrate Lara Lanfranco on Friday, giving his account of the March 1 fight in Birkirkara. 

He told the court he had been at a barbecue in Birkirkara when he received a phone call from Liam Agius, one of the accused, who said he was being chased by another man he knew.

The witness said he then called the man allegedly chasing Agius, asked him what was going on and pleaded with him not to do anything he might regret.

The man replied that he wanted to “beat up Kenley”, referring to Kenley Borg, one of the three accused, the witness testified.

The witness said he told the man to calm down but could not persuade him to stop. He said the man told him he did not care.

At that point, the witness said, he did not want to be further involved and ended the call.

However, he received another call from Agius shortly afterwards, telling him to come outside. The witness did so, despite having said he did not want to get involved.

As he left the barbecue, he saw the cars involved in the chase approaching him "gas down". Those involved then got out of the cars and began fighting, he said.

The witness told the court that the men and women fought separately. He recalled seeing the alleged victim on top of Aaliyah Borg and attacking her, before the two continued fighting around the corner and out of sight.

He said he had been too focused on the men’s fight to deal with the women.

The witness testified that he tried to separate the men, saying Kenley Borg was on the ground and “turning purple” while the other man had hold of him. He said he pushed the man away and told him it was enough.

Magistrate Lanfranco then reminded the witness that there was CCTV footage of the incident and that there were some inconsistencies in his testimony.

She also questioned why the witness had gone outside after saying he did not want to get involved in the fight.

The magistrate further reminded the witness that he could not speak to the three accused.

Aaliyah Borg, 18, is accused of causing grievous injuries to the 17-year-old using a weapon. She is also accused of insulting and threatening the alleged victim and carrying a knife in public without a valid licence.

Kenley Borg, 20, and Liam Agius, 25, are accused of complicity in causing grievous injuries to the minor.

Kenley Borg is separately accused of driving a vehicle without a licence and of recidivism. Agius is separately accused of committing a crime during the operative period of a suspended sentence.

All three deny the charges.

Proceedings were adjourned to a later date.

Magistrate Lara Lanfranco is presiding.

AG lawyers Etienne Savona and Julia Micallef Stafrace prosecuted, together with Inspector Ylenia Xerri.

Lawyers Franco Debono and Charles Mercieca appeared for Aaliyah Borg.

Lawyers José Herrera and Naomi Spiteri appeared for Kenley Borg.

Lawyers Axl Camilleri and Matthew Xuereb appeared for Agius. Lawyer Alfred Abela appeared parte civile.