A man who accused Labour Party deputy leader Toni Abela of using his influence to delay the issue of police charges over a fight has been acquitted of causing serious injury.

Richard Vella, 40, of Mosta, made the allegations in a police statement read out during a court hearing in February, a month before the general election.

The court heard he had a recording of Dr Abela admitting applying pressure on a policeman to have the charges against himself (Mr Vella) and John Bonnici delayed.

In a press conference called just hours after the claim was made, Dr Abela categorically denied the allegations and said that had he tried to get the charges delayed the police would have summoned him.

The case revolved around an incident on October 28, 2009, in which Mr Vella and Mr Bonnici, a Labour local councillor, were allegedly involved in a fight at the Attard Labour Party club.

Mr Vella had said he was inside the club when Mr Bonnici, who was drunk, got into an argument with him and others at the bar. Mr Vella asked him to leave and as he was closing the club door Mr Bonnici ran straight into it and fell on the ground. Mr Vella said Mr Bonnici started shouting for help, saying he was being beaten, even though no one was near him.

This was confirmed by the barman, Patrick Sammut, who said that Mr Bonnici was on the ground shouting.

Magistrate Audrey Demicoli said the evidence corroborated Mr Vella’s version of events.

In separate proceedings, Mr Bonnici was found guilty of injuring Mr Vella and fined €200.