Two Enemalta inspectors yesterday recounted in court how they were assaulted while carrying out a surprise inspection at a confectionery in Pietà, which they suspected of having a rigged electricity meter.

One inspector sustained a broken little finger in his right hand while the other suffered bruising. A policeman who was accompanying the inspector was also assaulted and suffered a black eye.

The inspectors were testifying in the compilation of evidence against Carmel Salerno, 49, of Pietà and his son Fabrizio, 23, of Ħamrun, who allegedly attacked the officials in an attempt to stop them from inspecting the meter, the court heard.

They were also charged with impeding public officers from carrying out their duties, breaching the peace, swearing in public and threatening the officials and the police officer. Mr Salerno Sr alone is also charged with slightly injuring the police officer and relapsing.

The attack was over a rigged electricity meter

Inspectors Robert Busuttil and Joseph Giuliano said the incident happened in the morning of January 9, when they went to C4D Confectionery in Pietà to test the meter as they suspected that it had been rigged.

When they saw that the meter had only marked six units by 11am, they realised that their suspicions were confirmed. The son and his brother at first cooperated but trouble began when the father arrived and started to complain that the presence of the police officer would make him look bad with customers.

The inspectors said they were assaulted by the Salernos’ family members, including the daughter, Tiziana, who is facing separate criminal proceedings. They said they saw Mr Salerno Sr assaulting and hitting the police officer.

They described the atmosphere as “calm but tense at times”. Police constable Glen Scicluna was first on the scene when he responded to a request for assistance from his colleague. He found the police officer with a black eye and also a torn uniform.

The case continues. Police Inspector Edel Mary Camilleri prosecuted while lawyers David Camilleri and Joseph Gatt appeared for the men. Lawyers Michael and Lucio Sciriha appeared parte civile.