Two brothers and a friend filed a police report about a man who was breaching his bail conditions by being outdoors and then assaulted him after police failed to take action.

Self-employed brothers Michael and Daniel Pace, aged 31 and 23, and electrician Adrian Tonna, 23, all from Birkirkara, were charged with seriously injuring Lineker David Micallef in a fight that broke out at 11.30pm on Tuesday outside the victim’s home.

Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit heard that there was a long-standing feud between the Paces and Micallefs. Michael Pace has a child from Mr Micallef's sister.

About a week before the incident, Mr Micallef allegedly threatened Michael Pace.

On the day, the defendants saw Mr Micallef roaming the streets, when they knew that under his bail conditions he had to be home by a certain time.

They called the police to inform them about Mr Micallef, but over an hour later the police had still not acted on their report, it was claimed in court.

They were waiting outside Mr Micallef's residence to see at what time he got home and, as soon as he arrived and was about to enter his house, they are alleged to have assaulted him.

Magistrate Stafrace Zammit granted the three men bail against a €10,000 personal guarantee and ordered them to stay away from any activities linked to the Birkirkara feast this weekend.

Police Inspector Luke Bonello prosecuted. Lawyers Franco Debono and Amadeus Cachia appeared for the men.