Punched man in the face and knocked out his tooth

A Sliema waterpolo player from Montenegro was this morning conditionally discharged for three years after he pleaded guilty to punching a man in the face and knocking out his front tooth during an argument in a bar in Paceville.

Defence lawyer Arthur Azzopardi explained that the incident took place following provocation by a group of Maltese people, who included victim Kurt Galea. One thing led to another and a fight broke out during which his client, 19-year-old Miljan Popovic, injured Mr Galea while acting in self-defence.

Mr Popovic, his lawyer said, exceeded the limits of self-defence in that he did not control his strength.

Police inspector Luke Bonello said that criminal action was also to be taken against Mr Galea.

Mr Popovic is in Malta until September 15 after which he will return to playing waterpolo in Montenegro.