Three young people charged in connection with a violent attack on a 16-year-old girl in Birkirkara have been denied bail by the court, as reported by Malta Today.
The accused, Aaliyah Borg, 18, Kenley Borg, 20, and Liam Agius, 25, were arraigned before Magistrate Elaine Rizzo on Thursday over an incident that allegedly took place on 1st March between 5pm and 8pm.
According to prosecutors, Aaliyah Borg slashed the teenage victim on the side of her face with a sharp object, leaving her with grievous injuries that reportedly caused facial paralysis.
She is also charged with attempting to assault the victim in a manner intended to insult, annoy or harm her, making threats or insults towards the minor, and carrying a knife or pointed object in public without a police permit.
Kenley Borg and Liam Agius are accused of assisting in the attack. 20-year-old Borg also faces additional charges of driving without a licence and being a repeat offender.
The court also heard that he allegedly committed the offence while under the operative period of a suspended sentence handed down by the Magistrates’ Court in September 2025.
All three pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecution also requested a protection order in favour of the victim while the case continues.
While the defence did not contest the validity of the arrest, a request for bail was made. Several witnesses related to the accused were presented in court and offered to act as guarantors should the court grant bail.
However, prosecutors opposed the request, citing concerns about possible evidence tampering, the seriousness of the alleged attack and the severity of the victim’s injuries. They also noted that one of the accused is considered a recidivist.
During submissions, the defence argued that the accused woman had been harassed and physically attacked by the alleged victim, despite the accused presenting a medical certificate indicating slight injuries.
Defence lawyer Franco Debono described the situation as “a classic case of self-defence” during his arguments before the court.
Magistrate Elaine Rizzo ultimately rejected the bail request, noting the seriousness of the charges and the fact that the victim has yet to testify.
The decision sparked tension in the courtroom, with the mother of one of the accused reportedly going into a state of shock and panic.
The prosecution was led by lawyers Etienne Savona and Julia Micallef Stafrace from the Office of the Attorney General, along with Inspector Ylenia Xerri.
Lawyers Franco Debono, Charles Mercieca, Axl Camilleri, Jose Herrera and Matthew Xuereb appeared for the defence during Thursday’s sitting.
