An Englishman who denies attacking two policemen allegedly jumped on to the bonnet of a police car as he tried to escape custody after giving the officers false particulars, a court heard.
Taking the witness stand, police inspector Maurice Curmi said that Paul Allen Sneddon, 33, from St Paul’s Bay had approached him during the summer carnival in Qawra last Sunday and asked for assistance.
Mr Sneddon told him that he had a problem with a neighbour and because the inspector could not leave his post, he told him to wait 10 to 15 minutes until a police car arrived.
Mr Sneddon was being “arrogant, aggressive and sarcastic” and at one point swore at him, the inspector said, adding that he arrested the Briton and demanded his particulars.
The identity card number provided ended with the letter “t” which he immediately realised was false.
He was arrogant, aggressive and sarcastic
Mr Sneddon did calm down while waiting for the police car and apologised for swearing but after the police car arrived he jumped on to its bonnet to escape custody, the court was told.
A scuffle broke out as he tried to arrest the accused who was forced to the ground, but the Englishman was kicking, punching and scratching in an attempt to cause injury.
Police sergeant Ivan Mifsud testified that he was struck in the groin and had his radio damaged too.
Magistrate Audrey Demicoli granted Mr Sneddon bail against a deposit of €350 and a personal guarantee of €2,000.
The case continues.