A 44-year-old man was yesterday jailed for one year and fined €200 (Lm85.83) after he was found guilty of punching a man in the face and threatening him with a knife at a boċċi club in Mosta.

Alfio Attard of Sta Venera was found guilty of trying to injure Charles Ebejer, disobeying police orders, offending public morals, assaulting Mr Ebejer and using a pointed instrument during the incident.

Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera heard Mr Ebejer testify that on July 10, 2006 he had gone to their local boċċi club for a drink when he was approached by Mr Attard, who told him not to make fun of him. Mr Ebejer said he did not know Mr Attard at the time. The accused punched him in the face and an argument ensued, the victim said.

He went straight to the police station to make a report and two policemen accompanied him back to the club.

On entering the premises, the argument resumed and, in the presence of the police officers, Mr Attard grabbed Mr Ebejer by the neck and pointed a knife at him.

The court heard that Mr Attard had resisted the police both at the club and at the lock-up area of the police station.

Before handing down judgment, Magistrate Scerri Herrera took into consideration the fact that Mr Attard had six previous convictions. The court said it wanted to send a message to society that the police are there to protect citizens and not to be attacked by people like Mr Attard. Mr Attard should not expect any clemency as he has been given enough chances to reform himself, the magistrate said.

Police Inspector Therese Sciberras prosecuted.