A man who was in a queue to cash some cheques at an exchange bureau in Bugibba assaulted and seriously injured a Nigerian woman who was queuing before him because he expected to be served before her, a court heard today.

Joseph Apap, 43, from St Paul's Bay, pleaded not guilty to injuring Faith Jezz Mohammed, to inciting racial hatred and breaching the peace.

Mr Apap, who had a bandaged arm, kept disrupting the court hearing today, constantly wanting to speak.

The incident happened at an exchange bureau in Dawret il-Gzejjerat 11am yesterday when Mr Apap expected to be served before the Nigerian woman. He allegedly started shouting abuse at her, an argument ensued and he allegedly assaulted her, injuring her. She lost a front tooth as a result of a punch.

Given his constant disruptions and the seriousness of the crime, Magistrate Charmaine Galea  denied his request for bail and remanded him in custody.

Police Inspector Maurice Curmi prosecuted while lawyer Christopher Chircop appeared for the man.

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