A Briton who was incensed at police inaction after having been assaulted in Paceville early on New Year's Day denied assaulting and threatening police officers at the St Julian's police station.
Matthew Douglas-Fryer, a 35-year-old from St Julian's, pleaded not guilty to assaulting and slightly injuring two police officers, disobeying police orders, breaching the peace and being drunk in public.
Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera heard how Mr Douglas-Fryer was assaulted by three men at around 4.30am. Several police officers were called to diffuse the fight but despite his insistence, none of his assailants were arrested. Instead, the Briton was told to go to the St Julian's police station to file a report.
When he arrived at the station, Mr Douglas-Fryer was incensed at the police decision not to arrest any of the men who had assaulted him. The prosecution claimed that he assaulted two police officers at the station and even threatened them.
The Briton pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail against a deposit of €500 and a €2,000 personal guarantee. The court also upheld a request by the defence for a court-appointed expert to examine injuries sustained by the accused, who is claiming to have been manhandled by the police.
Police Inspector Elton Taliana prosecuted while lawyer Kenneth Grima appeared for the man.