Ex-inmate accused of stabbing man in the face says he wants to 'stay in prison'
Clyde Bonavia said the pair had argued on synthetic drugs
A former inmate accused of stabbing a man in the face told a court he wants to "remain in prison forever".
Clyde Bonavia is accused of the attack outside the Detox Centre in St Luke's Hospital last month.
He appeared in court on Monday, where he denied all charges, including grievously injuring another man, being in possession of a weapon, causing the man to fear violence and committing a crime while on suspended sentence.
Police inspector Sarah Kathleen Zerafa explained that on February 28, the police were informed by the Floriana health centre that a person had been hit by a knife in the face and was sent to Mater Dei Hospital.
The police spoke to the alleged victim, who told them that he was waiting outside the Detox Centre, where he met Bonavia, and they argued.
At this point, the accused interjected, saying that they had argued about synthetic drugs.
Zerafa continued that the alleged victim saw the accused producing a knife, grabbed him by the hand and pushed him away.
Bonavia fell on a glass door belonging to an abandoned showroom, which was shattered.
He got back on his feet and hit the alleged victim on his forehead and over his eye. The injuries were certified as grievous.
An arrest warrant was requested, but the police only managed to trace the suspect down on Saturday.
Bonavia once again interjected, saying: “We fought and fell on the glass door. I have just come out of prison after serving for ten years, and I am going back in. I was released six months ago. Enough of these games, going in and out of prison, I want to go in and stay there.”
Bail was not requested at this stage, and he was remanded in custody.
Magistrate Nadine Sant Lia presided. Attorney General lawyer Kristina Bartolo prosecuted, assisted by police inspector Sarah Kathleen Zerafa.
Legal aid lawyer Yanika Bugeja appeared for the accused.