A water polo player who took part in a fight in which a man suffered multiple fractures to his skull was fined €1,165 and ordered not to speak to the victim.

Mark Meli, 25, from Swieqi, was involved in the Paceville brawl that took place on August 10, 2006, at about 1 a.m. during which Mark Bencini, a lawyer, was beaten.

Mr Meli and Karl Ebejer, 26 from St Julians, were accused of attempted murder and slightly injuring Karl Muscat besides breaching the peace and taking part in a fight.

The case against Mr Ebejer is still pending.

Dr Bencini testified that on the night in question he went to meet his friends, Mr Muscat and Chris Gauci, in Paceville.

At one point, Mr Meli passed by and pushed Mr Muscat, who turned around and told him (Mr Meli) to watch his step. An argument ensued and Mr Meli told Mr Muscat: “Why don’t you punch me if you’re so good?” Dr Bencini said Mr Muscat pushed Mr Meli.

Seeing that things were heating up, Dr Bencini said he pulled Mr Muscat away and told Mr Ebejer to take Mr Meli away.

Dr Bencini and his two friends then headed towards Plush, a bar about 40 metres away. They went inside and after some time decided to move to another bar.

As they walked out they spotted the accused, Mr Ebejer and another man, Michael Magri Overend, rushing towards them.

They hurled insults at each other, the argument heated up and Dr Bencini said he tried to calm down the situation. He then felt someone hit him on the head and fell to the ground unconscious.

Magistrate Miriam Hayman said that from the evidence produced it was proven that Mr Meli had taken part in the fight but not that he had in fact injured the victim.

He had admitted punching Mr Muscat and, therefore, should be found guilty of slightly injuring him.

She also found Mr Meli guilty of breaching the peace and taking part in the fight.