A father and son were this afternoon remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to assaulting a policeman and two Enemalta officials who went to inspect an electricity meter they believed had been tampered with.

One of the Enemalta inspectors was seriously injured, having suffered a broken arm and fingers.

Before Magistrate Francesco Depasquale, Carmel Salerno, 49, from Pieta`and his son Fabrizio, 23, from Ħamrun, pleaded not guilty to the assault.

The case happened at around 11am yesterday when the two officials went to inspect the meter at a confectionery in Pieta, owned by Fabrizio Salerno.

At first the policeman was pushed but then the father and son allegedly attacked the officials in an attempt to stop them from inspecting the meter.

They were also charged with impeding public officers from carrying out their duties, breaching the peace, swearing in public and threatening the officials and the police officer.

Mr Salerno Snr was alone charged with slightly injuring the police officer and relapsing.

Magistrate Depasquale turned down their request for bail and they were remanded in custody.

Police Inspector Edel Mary Camilleri prosecuted while lawyers David Camilleri and Joseph Gatt appeared for the men.

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