Man admits damaging Naxxar kebab shop after dispute with owner
Accused first went to police station with bloody hand
A 33-year-old man from Rabat was handed a suspended sentence on Wednesday after admitting to causing damage inside a restaurant in Naxxar.
Dylan Cassar was arraigned before Magistrate Gianella Camilleri Busuttil after an incident on Monday.
The court heard that Cassar first turned up at the Naxxar police station with blood on his hand and told officers he had an issue with the owner of a kebab shop in the town.
Police could not immediately establish what had happened and did not arrest him at that stage.
Cassar later returned to the restaurant, where he allegedly smashed the shop display, pushed over a coffee machine and caused other damage.
He also allegedly threatened the owner and slightly injured him.
The shop owner told police that Cassar had a firearm on him. However, police searches for the weapon proved negative.
During his arrest, Cassar allegedly used derogatory language towards the police and tried to bite an officer, although the court was told the officer was not injured.
Cassar pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him.
The court heard that Cassar works as a technician and had carried out work at the restaurant, but had allegedly never been paid by the owner.
Magistrate Camilleri Busuttil found Cassar guilty and sentenced him to one year in prison, suspended for two years.
The court also fined him €2,000 and issued a restraining order, valid for three years.
He was also ordered to pay the restaurant owner €750 in damages within a week.
Inspector Joseph Mallia prosecuted.
Lawyers Noel Bianco, Kyle Briffa and Matthew Mamo appeared for the accused.
Lawyer Victor Bugeja appeared parte civile.