Suspended jail term for smashing glass in man's face

Jonathan Spiteri, 26, of Zebbug was today condemned to a one year jail term suspended for three years after he was convicted of having smashed a glass in the face of another man, Daemer Bartolo, on January 10, 2004.

Mr Spiteri, who was 20 years old at the time, had claimed that it was Mr Bartolo who had started the fight.

Taking the witness stand, barman Nicolai Attard said he had seen Mr Spiteri striking Mr Bartolo with a glass and then fleeing from the scene. He confirmed he had had served at least two rounds of drinks to the two men.

The court in its considerations said none of the independent witnesses had given any evidence to show that Mr Bartolo had been agressive. On the contrary, the only aggressive behaviour was by the accused.

It noted that the victim had suffered a small scar which was, however, visible from a metre away.

In delivering sentence the court said the injury was not serious and the accused had no previous convictions.