An elderly man has been discharged without conditions after having been accused of illegal possession of an imitation pistol and holding three young men against their will. The imitation weapon was a toy pistol.

The incident happened in March 2009 when the man, Saviour Mifsud Bonnici, 62, was driving in Bahar ic-Caghaq and was involved in collision with a car driven by Dennis Agius.

Agius drove on and Mr Mifsud Bonici gave chase. He caught up with him and got out of the car to speak to him.

Two other young men who were with Mr Agius got out of the car and one of them threw an ice cream at Mr Mifsud Bonnici’s car.

Mr Mifsud Bonnici pointed a toy pistol at the three, who got into their car. He then called the police.

Mr Mifsud Bonnici had been convicted by the Magistrates’ Court of possession of an imitation weapon and holding three men against their will. He was handed a conditional discharge

However an appeals court said the accused had been scared as he thought he would be assaulted. However no action had been taken against him. Mr Justice David Scicluna said confirming the conviction but said the court proceedings were sufficient punishment and he discharged Mr Mifsud Bonnici without conditions.