A bouncer smashed a man jawbone as he was entering the men’s bathrooms at a Paceville nightclub accompanied by a female friend, a police inspector told the court yesterday.

Police Inspector Godwin Scerri said that, on January 3 at about 4 a.m., two men reported that they were beaten by two bouncers at Havana nightclub.

One was seriously injured and had to have a metal plate inserted in his jaw to support it.

He was testifying in the compilation of evidence against Kevin Mallia, 37, from Sliema and Aaron Vella, 25, from Mosta.

They are accused of injuring Nicholas Portelli and his friend Yianis Micallef, assaulting them and breaching the peace.

Mr Mallia is also accused of working as a bouncer without having a licence and Mr Vella, who holds a licence, was accused of using excessive force.

Both men were also accused of relapsing.

Mr Scerri said Mr Mallia refused to answer any questions and Mr Vella said he heard Mr Mallia calling for assistance on the two-way radio because there was an argument near the men’s toilets.

He said he went there but did not see any punches being thrown between the men.

In a second interrogation, Mr Mallia admitted he was working as a bouncer when he did not have a permit and explained that he had seen a woman and two men trying to go into the toilets. He stopped them and a brawl ensued.

The case continues. Lawyers José Herrera and Veronique Dalli appeared for the accused.