Just 24 hours after appearing in court over a fracas during a post-village feast outing, a self-employed electrician was yesterday sentenced to three years in jail for punching a police officer.

Police Superintendent Norbert Ciappara described Renald Attard, 25, of Luqa as a “bully”.

He punched WPC Roberta Garzia when he intervened to stop the officer from questioning his girlfriend in the toilets of open air nightclub Numero Uno, at Ta’ Qali in May 2010.

His friend, Shawn Falzon, 27, of Floriana – who was sentenced for two years jail by Magistrate Anthony Vella – also got involved in the argument and slightly injured WPC Beverly Farrugia.

The two officers became suspicious of the two men’s girlfriends’ movements and followed them into the toilets. There, the two girls became violent and summoned their boyfriends.

Both of the men have appealed the judgement.

On Wednesday, Mr Attard was charged with slightly injuring his brother’s girlfriend and damaging his brother’s car on Monday. He was released on bail.

Eight years ago, Mr Attard had been found guilty of causing serious injury.