A 44-year-old man was charged with damaging a police car and attacking an officer who pulled him over because he was on the phone while driving.

Carmeli Vella, 44, of St Paul's Bay pleaded not guilty and denied using his mobile phone while driving on Saturday.

He was also charged with threatening, assaulting and disobeying the police constable who stopped him, damaging a police car and mouthing obscenities.

The incident occurred at about 2.15 p.m.

Magistrate Michael Mallia, who presided over the arraignment, granted Mr Vella bail against a €1,165 deposit and a personal guarantee of €1,500.

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