Suspended jail term

A man who was kicked out of a bar when drunk following an argument with a barman has been given a suspended jail term for injuring his father with a broken beer bottle.

Michael Sultana was given a six-month jail term suspended for two years for injuring his father, Rosario Tonna, with the bottle and breaching the peace in a Valletta bar on August 31, 2002.

Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani Grima heard how Mr Sultana had gone to the bar with his girlfriend and following several drinks the barman refused to serve him any more alcohol as he was very drunk.

Mr Sultana started arguing with the barman and the owner of the bar escorted Mr Sultana out of the bar. When Mr Tonna, who claimed he was Mr Sultana's biological father, went outside, Mr Sultana hit him with a broken bottle.

The magistrate noted that Mr Tonna had forgiven his son for his actions and that although Mr Sultana had been charged with seriously injuring Mr Tonna the grievous nature of the injuries had not been sufficiently proven.

Police Inspector Paul Camilleri prosecuted.

Lawyers Joseph Giglio and Roberto Montalto appeared for Mr Sultana.