A 59-year-old man from St Paul's Bay told a court how he ended up with serious facial injuries when a man smashed a beer glass in his face over €20 he had borrowed.

John Said said he ended up in hospital with a tear to his ear after Jason Sciberras hit him with the glass.

The incident happened on August 12 in a bar in St Paul's Bay at around 10pm when Mr Said asked the accused, 37, for the €20 he had borrowed from him some four weeks before.

Mr Sciberras is pleading not guilty to seriously injuring Mr Said.

Mr Said said he told the accused that he had money to buy beer but did not have the €20 to pay him back. The accused then turned and hit him with the glass, he sadi.

Police Inspector Maurice Curmi said the accused told the police that Mr Said walked into the bar and, in a loud voice, said he owed him money.

The case continues.

Lawyer David Camilleri appeared for Mr Sciberras, who said he works for the local council.