Sleeping man hit with a stone, severely injured, after argument over shoes
The aggressor was jailed for two years after a plea bargain
A 24-year-old man has been jailed for two years for throwing a stone at a sleeping individual, seriously injuring him.
Ibrahim Mohammed Jama, a Somali national, was accused of grievously injuring Mohammed Traofe using an irregular weapon, breaching the public peace and carrying a sharp or pointed weapon without a licence from the police.
Both men had been arraigned in August. During their arraignment, it had emerged that one of the men defended himself using a knife after being attacked with a stone.
Police inspector Elisia Scicluna explained that Ibrahim Mohammed Jama, bleeding from his left hand and arm, went to Marsa police station to report he had been attacked by a man wielding a large knife. The police arrested the suspect, Mohammed Traofe, who told police that Jama attacked him first with a stone.
The pair had allegedly argued over shoes.
When Jama was arraigned, he denied the charges, but changed his plea on Tuesday.
After hearing the submissions, the court considered that the parties had agreed on a two-year effective prison term. It also took into consideration that the accused had no previous convictions but had thrown a big stone at a sleeping individual.
He was jailed for two years. A three-year restraining order was issued in favour of Traofe.
Proceedings against Traofe are believed to be still ongoing.
Magistrate Ann Marie Thake presided. AG lawyer Clive Aquilina prosecuted, assisted by police inspector Elisia Scicluna. Legal aid lawyer Sarah Vassallo Ciliberti assisted Jama.