The former contracts manager at the Sliema local council, whose allegations brought down the former mayor Nikki Dimech, has been acquitted of assaulting a member of the council during a discussion over feast decorations.

Stephen Buhagiar, 43, from Sliema, had been charged after an argument developed over the positioning of a pole in Depiro Street on March 23, 2010.

Magistrate Carol Peralta said that from the evidence produced this was not a case of assault or threats – Mr Buhagiar had pushed a member of the council with one finger.

Mr Dimech had been found guilty of bribery after Mr Buhagiar claimed the former mayor had asked him how much he was ready to “offer” him to secure him a job as contracts manager with the council.

He was sentenced to a year in jail but has appealed.

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