Policeman punched after challenging man breaching curfew at Għaxaq feast
He lost track of the time, defence says
A 46-year-old man who allegedly punched a policeman during the feast in Għaxaq was remanded in custody upon arraignment on Monday.
The incident happened in the early hours of Saturday when two officers went to a band club to order officials to turn down the music.
Prosecutors said one of the officers recognised the accused, Daniel Mizzi, who should have been at home in terms of bail conditions in a case dating back to 2018.
He approached Mizzi and asked him to step outside. Mizzi refused, punched him in the stomach and then fled. He merged into the crowd outside and the police could not locate him. He was arrested on the following day when he called at the police station to sign his bail book.
Mizzi pleaded not guilty.
Defence lawyer Amadeus Cachia argued that Mizzi signed his bail book daily, and in this case, he was out enjoying the feast and lost track of the time. “He wasn’t out trying to steal or take drugs, he was in the kazin enjoying his time with many other people,” he said.
Cachia requested bail.
After hearing submissions, Magistrate Tanya Sammut rejected the request for bail and ordered that Mizzi be remanded in custody.
The prosecution was led by police inspector Andrew Agius Bonello, while lawyers Amadeus Cachia and Ismael Psaila appeared for the defence.