A 30-year-old man was yesterday conditionally discharged for three years after punching a hospital security guard who told him to move his car, which was parked incorrectly.

Josef Friggieri, from Birżebbuġa, drove into the Mater Dei Hospital underground car park at about 9.30am yesterday with his pregnant partner.

He parked in front of an electrical panel but guard Raymond Leonardi told him to move because cars were not allowed to stop in front of such panels.

Both men gave conflicting accounts to the police of what happened next, with Mr Leonardi claiming that Mr Friggieri swore at him, insulting his mother.

The security guard admitted he reacted verbally.

At that point, a woman stopped to ask for directions and, as he turned, Mr Friggieri punched him in the face, Mr Leonardi said.

However, Mr Friggieri claimed that Mr Leonardi was being aggressive and confrontational with him and even climbed on a step so that his chest was eye-level with him.

He admitted exchanging insults before he punched the guard and moved away. Mr Leonardi required sutures to his lips.

Mr Friggieri, who appeared before Magistrate Josette Demicoli, pleaded guilty to causing serious injury and breaching the peace.

Police Inspector Jason Sultana prosecuted. Lawyer Jason Grima appeared for Mr Friggieri.