Alfred Zahra, 40 of Qawra, was remanded in custody today after pleading not guilty to seriously injuring a man while drunk and violently resisting the police.

A court was told this morning that Mr Zahra was involved in a brawl at Fuego early on August 25. Police Inspector Joseph Busuttil said the police were unable to track him down until yesterday, when they arrested him in a bar.

Defence counsel  Raphael Fenech Adami said the incident happened when the accused tried to break up an argument involving his sister.

The inspector said the sister of the accused had been accused separately and was being held in custody.

Magistrate Giovanni Griscti turned down the request for bail.