An illegal immigrant bit a police officer's finger so hard he broke it after jumping the queue to receive his social assistance cheque, a court heard yesterday.

Farhan Mohamud, 30, was queuing for his monthly allowance at the open centre in Hal Far on Wednesday at about 2 p.m. when he jumped the queue and an officer intervened, Police Inspector Priscilla Caruana testified.

Police Constable Adrian Zahra asked him to return to his place and when he refused to do so a scuffle broke out between the two and the accused bit the officer's finger, she said.

Mr Mohamud pleaded not guilty to seriously injuring the officer, resisting police orders, breaching the public peace and disobeying orders.

Magistrate Lawrence Quintano denied him bail and remanded him in custody after the inspector said it was very difficult to locate immigrants once they were out on bail.

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