Developer Charles Polidano will be arraigned charged with "using force" against columnist Claire Bonello who will also have to face the music for allegedly defaming him.

The police said Mr Polidano will be charged in court on October 5 for allegedly using force against Dr Bonello, a lawyer, with the intent to insult, annoy or hurt her.

On the same day, the police will also be charging Dr Bonello with the intent to damage Mr Polidano's reputation and for offending him with words, gestures and other means.

In the incident, which took place last June, Dr Bonello claimed that Mr Polidano, known as Ic-Caqnu, slapped her after she referred to him as a "baron". Mr Polidano claims he was called a "drug baron" and denies slapping Dr Bonello, insisting he had pushed her.

The incident was provoked by a verbal exchange which started at Le Meridien St Julians, in Balluta - owned by Mr Polidano - and continued in Balluta square, where many people had gathered to watch the World Cup qualifier between England and Sweden.

In a letter to The Times, an officer writing on behalf of the Commissioner of Police replied to several letters written in the media about the matter.

"This is neither a case of 'two weights and two measures', nor were the police 'awaiting orders' to 'protect the normal citizen against bullies', the police said, in reference to some of the comments made. See letter on page 9