Security guard charged over fight

A former General Workers' Union security guard has been charged yet again for seriously injuring someone in a fight and breaching the conditions of four previous releases.

Carmelo Vella, 46, of Buġibba, was charged in March with punching the deputy secretary general of the GWU Geitu Mercieca, who will be retiring in September.

He has been granted bail four times in the past, adding up to €35,000 in personal guarantees and €7,000 in deposits, Police Inspector Jesmond Borg said in court yesterday. The four other cases are all regarding fight-related charges.

In yesterday's arraignment, Mr Vella pleaded not guilty to seriously injuring a man when he broke his dentures, slightly injuring another and grabbing a knife during that argument, all of which allegedly took place in Cospicua last Saturday.

He was also charged with damaging a car, swearing in public and relapsing.

Inspector Borg requested the court to remand him in custody because of the type of character he is, which is evident from his criminal record.

Lawyer Josè Herrera did not make a request for bail but reserved the right to make the request later on during the proceedings.