PN employee Nicky Azzopardi explained in court this morning how he was assaulted and punched several times outside the bar known as Is-Serkin in Rabat on August 3.

He was giving evidence in the case instituted against Raymond Axiaq, 58, Zurrieq, who is pleading not guilty to having assaulted and slightly injured Mr Azzopardi.

Mr Azzopardi said he was at the bar at about 5 am accompanied by his girlfriend and two friends.

He saw (former MP) Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, who passed a comment in his regard but, Mr Azzopardi said, he did not understand what he said.

Then (former MP) Franco Debono started making vulgar comments against him.

All of a sudden,Mr Azzopardi said, a group of people assaulted him. He was punched several times.

The accused Raymond Axiaq hit him on the right side of his face with such force that it turned him around. He saw Dr Pullicino Orlando running towards him and then he received another blow, although, he did not see who punched him.

Mr Azzopardi said he suffered bruises all over his face and his glasses were broken.

He filed a report at Rabat police station and picked out Mr Axiaq from pictures shown to him by the police after he had described one of the persons who hit him as a man aged over 50 with grey hair.

The case continues.