A 22-year-old man from Cospicua this morning pleaded not guilty to trying to kill his 25-year-old brother in an argument over a carton of milk.

Vince Spalding also pleaded not guilty to seriously injuring his brother Cliff, threatening him, breaching the peace, carrying a knife without a licence, relapsing and committing a crime during the operative period of a suspended sentence.

Sources said the argument begun over a carton of milk but there were a lot of underlying issues. Vince allegedly slashed Cliff across his chest, and the latter was still in hospital after undergoing surgery.

Police inspector Jesmond Borg told the court the incident took place early on Thursday morning at the two men’s house, which consisted of three rooms.

Defence lawyer Mark Busuttil told the court that his client was able to live at his girlfriend’s house in Zurrieq if he was granted bail.

Police Inspector Borg asked for a deposit at the very least at which point Vince pointed out that he was unemployed and only earned €90 a week in unemployment and other benefits.

Magistrate Clare Stafrace Zammit granted him bail against a deposit of €100 and a personal guarantee of €20,000.