Valletta, Malta – A man from Libya, Khaled Eddali, 34, has been sentenced to five years in prison for a violent assault that occurred in Marsa in 2021. Eddali, who did not have a fixed address, faced charges of attempted murder, grievous bodily harm, aggravated theft, injuring a third party, and relapsing, to which he pleaded not guilty.
The incident unfolded when Eddali attacked a Syrian man with a meter-long metal bar, resulting in the victim being hospitalized for days with injuries to his head, arms, and legs. The victim reported that during the assault, his mobile phone and approximately €60 in cash were stolen.
During the court proceedings, the victim testified that he was sitting outside a garage on Triq is-Serkin with two other men when Eddali appeared and initiated the assault. Despite the victim’s lack of provocation, Eddali carried out the violent act inside the garage.
The court found Eddali guilty of causing grievous bodily harm to the Syrian man while acquitting him of the other charges. The sentencing took into account Eddali’s criminal history, his lack of remorse, and his disruptive behavior in Malta. Additionally, the court noted that the victim had forgiven Eddali for the attack.
As a result of the conviction, Eddali was handed a five-year prison term, with credit for time served in preventive custody. He was also ordered to pay court expenses and prohibited from approaching the victim upon release. The court further instructed authorities to assess Eddali’s residency status in Malta and consider deportation following his sentence, citing concerns over his criminal record.
The prosecution was led by attorneys Etienne Savona and Darlene Grima, along with inspector Roderick Attard. The presiding magistrate, Monica Vella, emphasized the seriousness of Eddali’s actions and the need for accountability in light of his prior offenses.