The former Mayor of Sliema and one of the councillors this morning told a court that the council’s former contracts manager had been aggressive towards them and another councillor.

Nikki Dimech and councillor Martin De Bono were giving evidence in a case instituted against Stephen Buhagiar, who is accused of having been aggressive to a public official and resisted a public officer.

Mr Buhagiar’s dismissal by the council last year sparked controversy over alleged bribery which cost Mr Dimech his post.

Mr Dimech and Mr De Bono said that last March 23 they had gone to Rudolph Street, where they inspected holes for festa poles which had been dug on the newly-laid surface.

An argument had ensued with Mr Buhagiar when he was asked whether he had the required permits.

Mr De Bono said he was pushed aggressively by Mr Buhagiar, and Ms Dimech had to intervene to stop a fight.

He said that Mr Buhagiar had told him that he was ‘a zero’ and “we are in government, so we decide”. He also told the then Mayor not to intervene.

Mr Buahgiar had claimed that Joseph Grech, from the council, had told him to drill the holes.

The relevant permits, however, were not found, Mr DeBono said.

Asked by Mr Buhagiar’s defence lawyer if there was any tension in the council at time, he said no, since all the councillors had voted for Mr Buhagiar’s contract to be terminated.

Mr Dimech said that Mr Buhagiar had also been involved in another incident involving councillor Edmond Cuschieri and had also been aggressive.