Three men have been ordered to stay away from any activities of the St Helena feast in Birkirkara after pleading not guilty to injuring a man in a fight between two families. The feast is on Sunday.

Self-employed brothers Michael and Daniel Pace, aged 31 and 23, and electrician Adrian Tonna, 23, all from Birkirkara, were charged with seriously injuring Lineker David Micallef during a fight between both families that broke out at 11.30pm on Tuesday.

Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit heard about the long-standing feud between the two families. Michael Pace has a child from Mr Micallef's sister.

The court heard how Mr Micallef allegedly threatened Michael Pace about a week before.

On the day of the incident, the three accused saw Mr Micallef roaming the streets when they knew he was on bail and had to be home by a certain time. They called the police to inform them, but an hour passed without  the police actingon their report, it was claimed.

They waited outside Mr Micallef's residence to see what time he got home and as soon as he arrived, the assault took place.

Magistrate Stafrace Zammit granted the three men bail against a €10,000 personal guarantee and ordered them to stay away from any activities linked to the Birkirkara feast in order to avoid any clashes.

Police Inspector Luke Bonello prosecuted while lawyers Franco Debono and Amadeus Cachia were defence counsel.