A witness, who spent a night in the court lock-up after evading questions and laughing while giving evidence in a police bribery case, said yesterday it was not the accused officer who had taken a bribe.

On Monday, Jimmy Bonavia laughed repeatedly while giving testimony, which prompted an exasperated magistrate to place him under arrest for the night. Yesterday, he chuckled only once, however he changed details every time he was questioned.

This pushed Magistrate Doreen Clarke to order that the transcripts of his evidence be sent to the Commissioner of Police to take any necessary steps he might deem fit.

Police Constable Ian Grech, who is suspended on half pay, is pleading not guilty to accepting a €700 bribe from Mr Bonavia for the favour of stopping court proceedings against him after Mr Bonavia was caught driving a tractor without a licence or insurance last May.

Questioned by the magistrate, Mr Bonavia said the police officer who had stopped him on the tractor – Mr Grech – was not the same officer to whom he had given the money.

The officer who took the money had a thin face, unlike Mr Grech, he said, adding that he was 100 per cent certain that the person who took the money and the person who stopped him were not one and the same.

The case against Mr Grech hinges on circumstantial evidence that was highlighted by the prosecuting officer, Police Inspector Anthony Cassar, who pointed out to the magistrate that Mr Bonavia had identified the accused in a video recording which the police had shot showing Mr Grech going to Mr Bonavia’s house to receive an extra €200.

Before the money was allegedly handed over to Mr Grech, Mr Bonavia’s brother noted the serial numbers of the cash and this was later found in Mr Grech’s wallet.

Mr Grech admitted to accepting the money in the statement he gave to the police, Mr Cassar added.

Police Inspector Marisa Zammit also prosecuted.

The case continues.