A court has ruled that all five youths charged in connection with the brutal assault of a 14-year-old boy in Sliema will be tried together as adults, despite attempts by the defence to have the minors heard separately in the Juvenile Court.The case dates back to 31st January, when a 14-year-old boy was allegedly attacked by a group and left unconscious in the street. The victim was hospitalised for several days and later certified as having suffered grievous injuries.Five Maltese youths were charged in connection with the attack, two 15-year-olds, two 16-year-olds and an 18-year-old. All pleaded not guilty and were granted bail earlier this month under strict conditions, including a ban from entering the Sliema area and a €20,000 personal guarantee.At the time, the court had accepted the defence’s request for the minors’ cases to be heard before the Juvenile Court, separating proceedings from those involving the 18-year-old.However, during a new sitting held today, the defence once again argued that the underage accused should be tried separately due to their age.Magistrate Abigail Critien dismissed the request, ruling that the involvement of an 18-year-old in the incident means the case falls outside the Juvenile Court’s remit. The court also held that hearing the accused together protects the integrity of the process and avoids further victimisation of the victim.As a result, all five accused will now face proceedings together before the Court of Magistrates.The case continues to draw attention due to the age of those involved and the severity of the alleged attack, which left the teenage victim seriously injured.•