Labour supporter is remanded in custody

A Labour Party supporter was yesterday remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to breaking a glass in the face of a Nationalist on Sunday during a fight in a bar while a PN mass meeting was taking place.

The defendant, 56-year-old Alfred Gialanze, from Żabbar, was charged with seriously injuring Anton Vassallo and his girlfriend, Michelle Wilson, at around 6pm in Sanctuary Street in his hometown.

Defence lawyer Roberto Montalto told the court that a third man hurled insults at his client because of his political beliefs, calling him “a desperate man”.

Mr Gialanze replied with expletives and at this point the victim interfered, said Dr Montalto. Mr Vassallo said he would not have tolerated such language and an argument broke out, according to the lawyer.

Mr Vassallo was allegedly hit in the face with a glass by Mr Gialanze and Ms Wilson was subsequently also injured.

Magistrate Marsann Farrugia remanded Mr Gialanze in custody after taking into consideration his previous convictions and the seriousness of the charges.