Mother accused of stabbing son

A mother was accused today of stabbing one of her sons in an incident in Cospicua on Monday. Nikolina Portelli, 45 along with her son Larson Grech 22, both from Cospicua, were accused of  attempting to seriously injure Alan Grech with a pen knife during an argument in Matty Grima Street. They were also accused of assaulting Alan Grech and Carmelo Tabone. Police Inspector Robert Said Sarreo explained that the incident took place when Mr Tabone, who is Alan Grech's father-in-law, made disparaging remarks about the Grech siblings' father, who is in prison. Larson Grech assaulted him and Alan Grech defended his father-in-law. The argument escalated into a fight between brothers. The mother got involved and it ended up with Alan Grech being stabbed. Alan Grech, currently in hospital will also be facing charges. Ms Portelli and Larson Grech pleaded not guilty and were granted bail against a deposit of €500 and a personal guarantee of €5,000.