Man accused of causing injuries in Żebbuġ bar fight
The alleged aggressor and the victim did not know each other
Steven Schembri, a 31-year-old PE teacher from Mosta, was granted bail on Tuesday after pleading not guilty to grievously injuring another man at a Żebbuġ bar.
Police inspector James Mallia explained in court that a report was filed on November 14 by the alleged victim, who claimed that he was assaulted on November 8 at Golden Lion in Żebbug by an individual, whom he did not know.
People at the scene told him that the aggressor was Schembri.
He handed the police a medical certificate showing he had sustained grievous injuries and said he could not file a report earlier since he could not see properly and could not leave his house.
The inspector said police gathered CCTV footage from which Schembri was identified. He was arrested on Monday.
Defence lawyer Paul Farrugia requested bail.
The prosecution objected on the grounds of possible tampering with evidence and due to the seriousness of the crime.
The defence countered that the incident occurred more than a month ago and had the accused wanted to tamper with evidence, he had enough time to do so.
Defence lawyer Paul Farrugia added that during the said incident, the accused requested police assistance at the bar. The police assisted and nothing happened then. Moreover, the accused and the alleged victim did not know each other, and the whole incident had been recorded on CCTV.
The accused was granted bail against a €2,000 deposit and an €8,000 personal guarantee. He was ordered to sign the bail book twice a week and a curfew was also imposed.
A protection order in favour of the alleged victim was also issued.
Magistrate Kevan Azzopardi presided. AG lawyer Miryea Mifsud prosecuted assisted by police inspector James Mallia. Lawyer Paul Farrugia appeared for the accused. Lawyer Mattia Felice appeared for the alleged victim.