An Enemalta official suffered a broken arm while his colleague and a police officer were slightly injured when they were assaulted as they inspected a smart meter, a court heard yesterday.

Police Inspector Edel Mary Camilleri said Carmel Salerno, 49, from Pieta` and his son Fabrizio, 23, from Ħamrun, assaulted the men who turned up for a surprise inspection at the family confectionery in Pieta` on Friday morning. The two Enemalta officials suspected tampering.

The policeman was pushed before the father and son allegedly attacked the officials in an attempt to prevent them from inspecting the meter, the court heard.

Carmel Salerno was charged with slightly injuring the police officer and relapsing.

Inspector Camilleri said police were analysing footage of closed circuit cameras in the vicinity.

Defence lawyers David Camilleri and Joseph Gatt said their clients had objected to a “lack of diplomacy” during the inspection.

Magistrate Francesco Depasquale turned down their request for bail and they were remanded in custody. Both men deny the charges.

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