Arraigned after argument over horse medicine

A man yesterday pleaded not guilty to attacking another man with a stone-cutter during an argument over the theft of horse medicine.

Reno Azzopardi, 23, pleaded not guilty to seriously injuring Paul Damato in Marsa on Sunday afternoon. He also pleaded not guilty to stealing horse-related equipment and horse medicine in Marsa and to handling stolen property.

Police Inspector Joseph Agius told Magistrate Edwina Grima that Mr Damato had suffered injuries to his face and also had to have five sutures to his hand after having been hit with the saw.

The officer said that in his police statement, Mr Azzopardi said that he had acted in self-defence and that it was not the first time that the two men had a run in.

Appearing for Mr Azzopardi, lawyers Daniela Mangion and Gabrielle Buttigieg, said that what the court had just heard were allegations and should not be taken into consideration when contemplating bail.

In light of the fact that Mr Azzopardi had no permanent residence, Magistrate Grima remanded him in custody.