A man who became embroiled in an argument with family after going to see his daughter yesterday claimed he was acting in self defence.

Before Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera, Brian Bartolo, 37, from Qormi pleaded not guilty to damaging the front door of the girl's mother's home in Fgura on Thursday night.

He was also charged with slightly injuring a police officer, disobeying police orders and threatening a number of people involved in the argument.

The defendant's lawyer said his client was defending himself against the woman's relatives who hit him repeatedly with a piece of wood.

Noting that he had sustained injuries to his face and arm, Magistrate Scerri Herrera appointed a court expert to examine the defendant and take photographs of the injuries. The court was informed that criminal action will also be taken against other people involved in the argument.

The magistrate upheld a request for bail against a personal guarantee of €4,000 and ordered Mr Bartolo not to approach the road in Fgura where the incident took place.

Police Inspector Spiridione Zammit prosecuted while lawyer David Gatt appeared for the defendant.