A part-time security guard at a popular night club was yesterday placed on probation for three years after he admitted to violently resisting police as he was interrogated over a theft case on Sunday.

Clyde Bonavia, 27, of Cospicua, who was accompanied by a seven-foot tall police escort in the dock, told the court he was registered as unemployed but actually worked part-time as a security guard at Fuego nightclub in Paceville. He also admitted to assaulting an officer, being in possession of tools that could be used to steal without giving an explanation of why he had them, swearing and making indecent gestures in public and relapsing.

The court extended the period of a previous probation order given in another theft case, bringing it up to four years.

FUEGO CLUB REACTION: GUARD WAS RECRUITED THROUGH SECURITY COMPANY

Mark Grima Director of Fuego called The Times to point out that his club only employed Mr Bonavia for a short time.

“I want to make it clear that he worked for two weeks with us and his employment was terminated eight months ago... We had noticed some strange behaviour and asked him to leave.”

He pointed out that had been recruited through a security company.

“Only one of our security personnel was a full time employee, the rest we recruited through agencies.”

He would not name the security company that forwarded Mr Bonavia, pointing out that, in any case, he would need to check which one it was because the company engaged four such agencies. “Moreover, two of the companies do not operate anymore. But beyond that, it’s not really my business to name the company,” he said.

Asked if he was concerned that a security agency proposed for employment someone who had a criminal record with cases of violence, Mr Grima said: “Of course I worry. We don’t use these security companies anymore now, as you may know Fuego in St Julian’s is closed.