Charged with breaking police officer's hand

A 23-year-old man from Żabbar was yesterday granted bail against a personal guarantee of €1,000 (Lm429.18) after pleading not guilty to injuring a police officer.

Jesmond Portelli was charged with breaking Police Sergeant Michael Buttigieg's hand on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Żabbar police station, resisting and insulting the police, disregarding orders, breaching the peace and using offensive words.

Magistrate Antonio Vella heard how Mr Portelli was being investigated by the police in connection with a hold-up.

It was during this time that Mr Portelli had allegedly turned aggressive. On leading Mr Portelli into the cell at the same police station, an incident broke out in which P.S. Buttigieg suffered the injury.

Lawyer Roberto Montalto appeared for Mr Portelli.