Monday, 10th November 2008 - 15:40CET

Man denies assaulting doctor

Saviour Cucciardi, 44 of Ta' Xbiex was this morning accused in court with having assaulted a medical doctor at Paola health centre last Thursday. He was also accused of having slandered or threatened the doctor and disturbed public peace.

He pleaded not guilty.

Defence counsel Frank Cassar said his client had broken his foot and was in a wheelchair. A passing doctor had accidentally knocked Mr Cucciardi's foot and Mr Cucciardi pushed him away.

Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani granted Mr Cucciardi bail against a personal guarantee of €1,000.