A 21-year-old man was denied bail on Saturday after being charged in connection with a violent attack on a 15-year-old girl outside her family home in Mqabba. The case, reported by Times of Malta, involved a gang of six, including a 13-year-old girl who allegedly stabbed the victim.
The incident occurred on 23 November when the masked group approached the victim, who had stepped outside her home. One assailant allegedly held a gun to her head while others, including the 13-year-old, assaulted her. The victim identified Jake Dalli Balzan, from Fgura, as one of the attackers, recognising his voice and tattoo.
The victim had previously reported bullying and threats, including demands for money and warnings of violence, to the police on 20 November. Following the assault, investigators recovered a flick knife in a garage linked to Dalli Balzan, who pleaded not guilty to charges including complicity, extortion, and possession of a prohibited weapon.
The defence argued for bail, citing Dalli Balzan’s clean record and employment, but the prosecution highlighted the severity of the crimes and risk of evidence tampering. Magistrate Giannella Camilleri Busuttil denied bail, issued a protection order for the victim, and imposed a ban on naming her.
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