A 53-year-old who has spent his life “challenging authority” was yesterday remanded in custody after he pleaded not guilty to threatening a police officer with an eight-inch knife.

Marius Magri, 53, of Qormi, has a string of convictions all related to “challenging authority” – he has attacked a mayor and police officers and had run-ins with other public officials, Police Inspector Joseph Agius said yesterday.

The officer made the remarks during submissions on bail after Mr Magri denied threatening Police Major George Attard on Sunday afternoon right after the band march during the feast of St Sebastian in his hometown.

About a month ago, Mr Magri had asked the same officer for a permit to put up a stand to sell alcohol during the feast but was told to go to the tourism authority because only they could issue such permits.

Unbeknown to either, Mr Farrugia or the officer, the law had changed and empowered local councils to grant permits.

Mr Magri went back to the police station to talk to Major Attard. As he did so he held his hands behind his back.

He became aggressive and had to be escorted out by another policeman, the court was told.

He then allegedly drew a knife from his back pocket and demanded to speak to the officer again but was promptly arrested.

During his arraignment yesterday, Mr Magri denied threatening the officer, resisting police orders, breaching the peace and relapsing.