An argument between a drug addict and a doctor was “blown out of all proportion”, a magistrate was told yesterday.

A man went to the detox centre at St Luke’s Square, in Pietà on Monday at about noon and asked to see a doctor, sources said. He was reportedly refused treatment because he did not have an appointment and an argument broke out between him and the doctor on duty, Joseph Tonna, during which Dr Tonna sustained scratches.

Nicholas Vella, 25, of Pembroke pleaded not guilty to slightly injuring the doctor, threatening and attacking him, breaching the peace and relapsing.

Defence lawyer Kris Busietta said the incident was blown out of all proportion.

Police Inspector Kevin Farrugia said he was opposing bail being granted because of the seriousness of the charges.

Magistrate Gabriella Vella granted Mr Vella bail against a deposit of €500 and a personal guarantee of €5,000.

Dr Busietta informed the magistrate his client could not afford the bail bond and would have to remain in prison until someone could be found to help him out.

Sign up to our free newsletters

Get the best updates straight to your inbox:
Please select at least one mailing list.

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.