A drug addict who flew into a violent temper and assaulted his father when the latter refused to hand over cash to fuel his habit has been placed under a two-year probation order after admitting to the aggression in court.

David Bonnici, 35, from Żebbuġ, attacked and slightly injured his father during an argument inside the family home in May 2013.

The father filed a police report and the son was arrested and charged.

The court, presided by Magistrate Josette Demicoli, heard how the accused regularly bullied his father to obtain money for drugs. However, on the day of the incident, the father decided to put his foot down.

Refusing to take no for an answer, the accused flew into a rage, pushed his father and kicked him relentlessly as the latter lay on the floor.

The court heard that the accused had started to follow a rehabilitation programme but failed to complete it.

It declared the accused guilty and placed him under a two-year probation order as a last chance to reform himself and seek help for his drug-related problems.

Inspector Roderick Agius prosecuted.