Bouncer Pleads Not Guilty: Claims Broken Bottle Stab Victimhood

Jan 4 2024

In court on Thursday, 21-year-old bouncer Riald Gragjevi pleaded not guilty to causing serious injuries to Idriss Ahmed Adem outside a Paceville nightclub on New Year’s Eve, asserting that he was the victim of a broken bottle stabbing.

Times of Malta reported that Gragjevi, captured on camera during the assault, was arrested at the airport trying to leave the country. Inspector Brian Xuereb, on night duty between December 31 and January 1, responded to a report of an unconscious person in Paceville’s St George’s Road.

The victim, suffering grievous bodily harm, was taken to Mater Dei Hospital. Earlier, a security guard reported an assault with a broken bottle, later identified as the victim.

Gragjevi’s arrest, triggered by an attempt to board a flight, was confirmed by airport police.

Defense lawyer Shazoo Ghaznavi informed Magistrate Joe Mifsud that Gragjevi pleads not guilty, asserting victimhood after being stabbed by a broken bottle, with two additional bottles thrown at him.

Ghaznavi emphasised that Gragjevi wasn’t fleeing, as the ticket was purchased three weeks earlier. The victim released a video showcasing prior issues with club bouncers, adding complexity to the case.

#MaltaDaily

Winter Weather This Weekend: Wind And Rain

Jan 4 2024

According to weather forecasts, this upcoming weekend is expected to bring with it further winter weather, with strong winds and isolated rain showers.

Temperatures too are set to drop to as low as 12 degrees Celsius by Sunday, deceasing even further into next week at 10 degrees Celsius by Tuesday.

According to Facebook weather page ‘It-Temp Madwarna’, winter weather is expected to hit the Maltese islands as of Saturday 6th January 2024.

So as we all return to work following the holidays, we’ll be very much inclined to rush back home after a long day to snuggle up in a warm environment.

#MaltaDaily

Bouncer In NYE Altercation Arrested At Malta Airport

Jan 4 2024

Today, at around 1200hrs, the Malta Police Force will be taking a man to court over the altercation that reportedly took place in Paceville on New Year’s Eve.

A 21 Albanian man was arrested yesterday at the Malta International Airport after he was allegedly connected to a fight which took place in Paceville.

The arrested man will be arraigned in court with the reported breaking of civil order, the use of an unregistered weapon and causing grievous injuries to another person.

#MaltaDaily

Noel Azzopardi Pleads Not Guilty To Eric Borg Murder

Jan 4 2024

Noel Azzopardi has pleaded not guilty to the New Year’s Day murder of Eric Borg after voluntarily surrendering to Rabat police.

Azzopardi, a 39-year-old unemployed individual accused of wilful homicide, using a firearm for a crime, firing a gun near an urban area, and neglecting secure storage of his gun and ammunition, entered his plea during an arraignment before Magistrate Monica Vella.

His lawyers acknowledged Azzopardi’s psychiatric history, expressing no contest to the arrest’s validity and requesting access to his medical records, particularly those from Mount Carmel Hospital.

During the arraignment, Azzopardi, standing throughout, required simplified and repeated questions. He turned himself in as authorities initiated a manhunt for Borg, found dead with gunshot wounds in Rabat.

Inspector Wayne Camilleri stated that police received a report of shots fired on January 1 at around 3:30 pm, discovering Borg deceased on Triq il-Fidloqqom.

Azzopardi, identified as a key person of interest, surrendered to Rabat police with relatives around 5:15 pm, confessing to the crime.

The prosecution did not disclose a motive, and Azzopardi’s lawyers, including Arthur Azzopardi, Jacob Magri, and Alex Miruzzi, did not request bail.

They released Mount Carmel Hospital staff from professional secrecy, allowing discussions on Azzopardi’s placement at Corradino prison or Attard hospital. Inspectors Wayne Camilleri and Godwin Scerri, alongside Attorney General lawyer Kaylie Bonett, prosecuted the case.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: Times of Malta (Matthew Mirabelli)