Police inspector Jeffrey Cilia and Christopher Farrugia have been granted bail against a deposit of €1,000 and a personal guarantee of €3,000 after they pleaded not guilty to seriously injuring Matthew Debono and assaulting him and his two brothers.

The inspector and Mr Farrugia allegedly attacked the brothers at 4 a.m. in Paceville, yesterday.

The brothers said they were beaten up after Matthew spat on the ground and smiled at the inspector when he was told off.

Inspector Cilia was also charged with threatening a police sergeant and disobeying police orders.

Defence lawyer Joseph Giglio said he was perplexed how Inspector Cilia and Mr Farrugia were being charged when the inspector had been doing his duty to stop vandalism.

Inspector Cilia was also injured during the incident and he had bruises at the back of his head.

He said the accused were irritated that the three brothers were not charged as well.

Dr Giglio noted that Inspector Cilia had twice suspended the sergeant he stood charged with threatening, Ramon Mifsud Grech, for being drunk.

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