Tourist assaults policeman in hospital

An Italian tourist was yesterday fined Lm200 after pleading guilty to assaulting a policeman at St Luke's Hospital after he objected to paying Lm30 for treatment received.

Angelo Sozzi, 21, of Catania, pleaded guilty to assaulting the policeman, threatening him, resisting the police and disobeying police orders early yesterday morning.

Inspector Mario Tonna said the incident occurred when Mr Sozzi accompanied a friend to the Emergency Department.

On being given a bill for Lm30, Mr Sozzi, who was under the influence of alcohol, objected to paying the bill and started threatening the doctors and nurses. A policeman on duty at St Luke's intervened, which is when the incident took place.

In passing judgement, Magistrate Quintano said such incidents should not happen anywhere, especially at a hospital where everyone was on edge.

Lawyer Anthony Cutajar appeared for the defendant.