The owner of a bar in Birzebbuga has pleaded not guilty to annoying and threatening two neighbours.

Noel Falzon, 40, who owns the Envy Bar in Pretty Bay, was also charged with using obscene language, playing loud music and disobeying police orders.

Prosecuting, Assistant Commissioner Neville Aquilina, said this the situation had reached a point where the members of a family that lived opposite the bar had become prisoners in their own home.

Defence lawyer Gianella Caruana Curran said she thought it strange that an assistant commissioner was in court making submissions on bail.

AC Aquilina said this reflected how serious the matter had become.

Dr Caruana Curran said that only one incident was being treated, according to the charges. The neighbours were continuously lodging reports, including when her client played music for just a few minutes longer than stipulated in his licence and even when they had no reason for doing so.

Mr Falzon pleaded not guilty and was granted bail against a deposit of €500 and a personal guarantee of €5,000.