A man bit off a good part of another’s ear in a fight over a parking incident in which a little girl was involved, a court heard yesterday.

He pleaded not guilty and claimed he was only defending himself

Police picked up the bit of ear from the ground afterwards.

The incident happened on Saturday evening, when Melvin Abela, 35, called for his mother in Żabbar to take her to Mass.

As he was reversing his car into a parking place in Our Lady Mediatrix of All Graces Square, he spotted a young girl in the way and hooted his horn, the court heard.

He parked, got out of the car and was about to lock it when the girl’s father, who was not named in court, came out into the street and shouted at Mr Abela, accusing him of nearly hitting his daughter.

An argument ensued and the two men assaulted each other, with Mr Abela allegedly biting off a substantial portion of the man’s ear in the struggle.

The police were called to the scene and arrested Mr Abela while the victim was rushed to hospital.

Mr Abela appeared before Magistrate Audrey Demicoli yesterday charged with seriously injuring the man, threatening him and breaching the peace.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges, claiming that he was only defending himself.

Magistrate Demicoli granted him bail against a deposit of €500 and a personal guarantee of €3,000.

Police Inspector Sylvana Briffa prosecuted while lawyer Roberto Montalto appeared for Mr Abela.