Man accused of stabbing son-in-law

A 59-year-old man was yesterday charged with trying to kill his son-in-law when he stabbed him during a fight on Wednesday.

The man, Innocenzio Farrugia, was granted bail after Magistrate Abigail Lofaro heard how the alleged victim, Joseph Caruana, had forgiven him and even asked the police not to arraign him.

Mr Farrugia, of Ghaxaq, pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of his son-in-law and seriously injuring him.

Magistrate Lofaro heard Police Inspector Joseph Agius, prosecuting, explain that Mr Farrugia's daughter had argued with her husband, Mr Caruana, and went to live with her father.

The day before the incident Mr Caruana went to Mr Farrugia's house because he wanted to take a computer. Then on the day of the incident Mr Caruana followed Mr Farrugia and his daughter to the bank and the two started fighting.

Although it was not clear who started the fight and to whom the knife belonged, Mr Caruana was stabbed in the face.

The inspector added that the Caruanas and the Farrugias did not feel rage towards each other, so much so that Mr Caruana had forgiven Mr Farrugia and told the police there was no need to arraign him.

Dr Michael Sciriha and Dr Ian Farrugia, for the accused, argued that this was a piteous case as their client had acted in self-defence.

The magistrate granted Mr Farrugia bail on condition he does not leave his house and bound him by a Lm500 deposit and a personal guarantee of Lm3,500.