Couple in court over New Year's Eve stabbing in Ħamrun bar
CCTV footage showed man and girlfriend entering bar with metal rods
A couple who began dating less than two weeks ago faced court on Sunday after the woman’s new boyfriend allegedly stabbed her ex on New Year’s Eve.
The court heard how Darren Galea and his girlfriend, whose name is banned by court order, also allegedly beat the ex and another man with metal rods at a Ħamrun bar.
The new couple had been at the Salini Resort on New Year’s Eve, drinking with friends. Throughout the night, the woman’s ex-boyfriend began calling Galea, threatening him with physical violence.
The ex-boyfriend and the woman had recently broken up following a one-year relationship.
Between 1am and 3am, 44-year-old Galea and the 25-year-old woman decided to go and look for the ex themselves at Feel Lounge, Ħamrun.
CCTV footage showed the couple entering the bar with two metal rods.
Following a commotion, the ex-boyfriend ended up on top of Galea, who allegedly stabbed him in the side and face with a pocketknife.
Police were soon at the scene, where they found an injured man. He was taken to hospital for medical treatment.
After learning they were wanted the next day, the two accused presented themselves at Ħamrun police station, where they were immediately arrested.
Both Galea and the woman are facing charges of causing grievous bodily harm.
Magistrate Abigail Critien refused bail, as witnesses still need to testify.
Attorney General lawyer Manuel Grech and police inspectors Wayne Bonello and Sarah Kathleen Zerafa are prosecuting, while Jacob Magri and Arthur Azzopardi are defence counsel.