Four police officers who stand charged with beating up a taxi driver said the 21-year-old was so drunk he could hardly stand and had to be restrained after he started a fight with a security guard.

Superintendent Antonello Grech, PC Charles Debattista, PC Joseph Tonna and PC Alfred Camilleri had all gone down to Buġibba for a drink after finishing their shift on March 29, Police Inspector Therese Sciberras testified yesterday, stringing together the sequence of events based on statements released by the accused and the alleged victim.

She said the officers were in Elements Club when they noticed that Charlton Zammit, the taxi driver, had started arguing with one of the bouncers.

When Supt. Grech went over to see what the problem was, Mr Zammit accidentally knocked his glasses off his face.

As Mr Zammit was being escorted out of the bar, he punched a mirror on the wall.

Mr Zammit said in his statement that he was at the club with his sister and his girlfriend when a man started signalling to his girlfriend. Shortly afterwards a bouncer told him to beware of the man and his friends as they were police officers.

It was on the outside that the real trouble started, however, Inspector Sciberras told the court. Mr Zammit had an argument with the two women and the officers had to intervene a second time.

According to their own statements, he became violent and they had to restrain him. Supt. Grech then called the Qawra station and other policemen arrived to offer assistance.

They took Mr Zammit to the police station and he had to be helped up the steps because he was so drunk.

The officers are pleading not guilty. The case continues.

Lawyers Emmanuel Mallia, Arthur Azzopardi and Joe Giglio appeared for the men, while Stephen Farrugia Sacco appeared for Mr Zammit.