Żurrieq mayor Ignatius Farrugia displayed shocking behaviour when he harassed columnist Daphne Caruana Galizia during a village feast, a witness said yesterday.

Mr Farrugia was gesticulating and trying his best to ridicule her, Paul Pace Axiaq said, describing the rude manner in which Mr Farrugia followed Ms Caruana Galizia down a road in Rabat.

He was testifying in the case against Mr Farrugia, Maria Vassallo and her daughter, Kimberly, who are accused of harassing Ms Caruana Galizia on March 19 during the feast of St Joseph.

Mr Pace Axiaq said he was shocked by the behaviour of not just Mr Farrugia but others who were chanting Labour Party electoral slogans and saying other nasty things. It could have easily turned into something more serious.

He said that the harassment was very loud and it was almost as if Mr Farrugia was inciting people.

At one point he and Ms Caruana Galizia were forced to take refuge inside a convent from where he could hear people shouting outside demanding that she was thrown out.

The case continues.