Updated: Sergeant injured in Gozo ferry fight

Updated 7.10 p.m.

A police sergeant suffered facial injuries last night during an argument on a Gozo ferry. The incident happened at about 11 p.m. as cars were being driven on board the vessel Malita in Mgarr Harbour.

During a court arraignment this evening, Anthony Vassallo 61 and his son Clint, 23, pleaded not guilty to having assaulted and resisted Police Sergeant Mario Mercieca and Police WPC Margerita Aquilina on the Gozo ferry. They also denied seriously injuring the sergeant and slightly injuring the woman constable, breaching the peace and threatening the police.

Defence counsel Manuel Mallia said that Mr Vassallo had driven onto the ferry and parked behind a police car which had no police markings. His wife's door came right next to a metal column and she could not get out of the car. Mr Vassallo got out and asked the driver of the car in front of him to move forward so that his wife could get out. Dr Mallia said Mr Vassallo was ignored and Mr Vassallo complained that his wife could not be expected to stay in the car. An argument then ensued.

Police Inspector Joseph Mercieca said the police did not ignore Mr Vassallo but told him they were unable to move the car forward. Mr Vassallo then threatened the police sergeant, who was in civilian clothes, the argument escalated and Clint Vassallo got involved.

Magistrate Giovanni Grixti granted bail against a deposit of €1,500 and a personal guarantee of €1,500