Police today charged a 57-year-old motorist who was captured on film by this paper assaulting another man during a road rage incident on Wednesday.

Marius Muscat, from Mqabba, was charged with slightly injuring Mario Vella, 61, during an incident on the Birkirkara Bypass.

He was also charged with damaging Mr Vella’s car, obstructing traffic and breaching the peace.

Watch: Road rage on the Birkirkara bypass

Photo: Steve Zammit Lupi

The attack, which followed a heated verbal exchange as the two drove side-by-side along the Birkirkara bypass, only lasted a few seconds, as a third motorist got out of his car and intervened.

Mr Muscat was seen storming out of his BMW X6 and assaulting Mr Vella with what appeared to be a tool he got from the trunk of his car.

Defence lawyer Franco Debono said his client had just visited his son who is at the ICU at Mater Dei hospital.

Dr Debono said his client was distraught about his son and was provoked into a fight by Mr Vella.

Mr Muscat denied all the charges brought against him.

Magistrate Claire Stafrace granted him bail against a deposit of €800 and a
personal guarantee of €3,000. Inspector Pierguido Saliba prosecuted.