A Romanian man who assaulted his neighbour, who had threatened him with a knife, admitted to causing the man’s injuries but denied criminal responsibility.

The fight broke out on August 3 in St George’s Street, St Julian’s. The alleged victim, also a Romanian national, Mircea Lucian Gheorghe, sustained fractured ribs.

Castel Popovici, 25, from St Julian’s, admitted to causing the injuries but defence lawyer Roberto Montalto said his client was denying criminal responsibility as he had twice been threatened by the same person before.

Dr Montalto said his client had organised a barbeque on the roof last Sunday. At some point, Mr Gheorghe went to the roof brandishing a knife, complaining that the guests were being noisy.

The situation quickly calmed down and Mr Gheorghe returned to his apartment.

The following day, Mr Popovici knocked at his neighbour’s door to clear the air, as he had never had any problems with his neighbours before. It was then that Mr Gheorghe assaulted Mr Popovici and a fight ensued, with Mr Gheorghe ending up in hospital with fractured ribs.

Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera heard Mr Popovici denying the charges brought against him. After he provided a different address, where he will be staying until the case is heard, the magistrate granted him bail against a personal guarantee of €10,000.

She also ordered him not to leave his house for any reason, other than to go to Mater Dei Hospital.

Police inspector Elton Taliana prosecuted.