Six individuals, comprising five girls and a boy aged between 14 and 20, allegedly assaulted and robbed a 16-year-old boy with a penknife in a Floriana public garden last weekend.
The victim sustained severe injuries, including cut ligaments in his hands. Police, aided by CCTV footage and intensive investigation, identified and arrested the suspects.
The altercation reportedly stemmed from a verbal dispute between the victim, an ex-boyfriend of one of the assailants’ friends, and the alleged attackers.
All six defendants faced charges of grievous bodily harm and breaching public peace, with additional charges for theft and possession of a weapon.
While the court questioned the charges against the 14-year-olds, citing the requirement of malicious intent, the prosecution argued that evidence demonstrated such intent, as the victim was robbed of cash and attacked with a penknife.
Despite objections from the prosecution, the court granted bail for the defendants, emphasising their right to continue their studies and imposing strict conditions, including a curfew and a ban on contacting the victim.
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