Court denies bail to man accused of attempted murder over Gżira street brawl

A 20-year-old man has been charged in court in connection with a violent altercation in Gżira on Sunday night that left a 30-year-old man injured and caused damage to several vehicles. The incident occurred in Triq Sir Charles Cameron at around 9pm, with the victim requiring hospital treatment.

Denzil Farrugia, from Marsa, appeared before the court on Friday facing multiple charges, including attempted homicide, threatening the victim, voluntarily damaging the victim’s property, and disobeying the orders of a public officer. He was also charged with reckless driving, driving without a licence or valid insurance, breaching the public peace, violating bail conditions, and committing an offence during the operative period of a conditional discharge. Two other individuals were also arrested in relation to the case.

Inspector Charlon Borg told the court that Farrugia had gone to the Gżira police station to file a report. Officers on duty were informed that an arrest warrant had already been issued against him, leading to his immediate arrest.

Defence lawyer Charles Mercieca challenged the validity of the arrest, arguing that the warrant related to attempted grievous bodily harm, not attempted homicide. He said this discrepancy was serious, noting that Farrugia had been informed he was being investigated for grievous bodily harm and had only received disclosures relating to that charge during his interrogation.

Mercieca maintained there was no new evidence justifying an escalation to attempted homicide and criticised the manner in which proceedings had been conducted. “You do not play with a person’s liberty,” he told the court.

The prosecution responded that additional individuals had been questioned following the issuance of the arrest warrant. After hearing submissions, the court ruled that the arrest was valid.

A request for bail was then made, but the prosecution objected, citing Farrugia’s allegedly refractory character and the risk he posed to public safety. They also stressed that the victim has yet to testify.

Mercieca countered that police had scheduled a meeting with the accused for 17 February to discuss the case, arguing this undermined claims that Farrugia represented an immediate danger. He also pointed to the accused’s young age.

The court denied bail.

The case is being prosecuted by Attorney General lawyers Kaylie Bonett and Clive Aquilina together with Inspector Charlon Borg. Magistrate Antoine Agius Bonnici is presiding.

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