A man who scratched a friend's car after someone had scratched his own was this morning granted bail pending judgement on Monday.

Gilbert Agius from Cospicua admitted to causing damage to the vehicle of his friend Anthony Bonello.

The friend told a family member he only wanted to be paid for the damage and did not want the police to proceed against Mr Agius.

Tapping on his temple, Magistrate Antonio Mizzi asked Mr Agius if he had anything up there and Mr Agius replied by asking "if they scratched mine?"

The magistrate pointed out that even his car was scratched but he did not go and scratch the car belonging to his deputy registrar.

Police Inspector Frankie Sammut said the initial estimate for the damage amounted to some €700 but a second estimate still had to be issued.

Magistrate Mizzi granted Mr Agius bail against a personal guarantee of €500.