An off-duty security guard was arraigned on Saturday charged with punching a policeman in the face at a feast.

Reuben Boyce, 46, from Żurrieq was accused of having attacked and slightly injured a police constable, violently resisting arrest, disobeying legitimate police orders, being drunk in public, breaching the peace and relapsing.

The incident happened in Safi early on Saturday morning at a band club. 

According to Police Officers' Union president Sandro Camilleri, the victim was punched because he showed up to instruct the accused to turn down the loud music coming out of the club. 

Inspectors Josric Mifsud and Charlotte Curmi underlined the need to tackle the mentality that one was free to do and drink as they pleased during village feasts.

“We must show that the feast period is not a bacchanalian period, but a religious occasion... The police are there to keep order and not to be insulted, threatened or attacked," the prosecution charged.

Defence lawyer Dustin Camilleri argued that the accused was not a criminal and that the attack was an isolated incident. He argued Boyce should be released on bail because he is presumed innocent, was a family man and would not abscond or get into further trouble. 

Bail was granted against a deposit of €500 and personal guarantee of €5,500.

Boyce was banned from attending feasts until the case is decided. A protection order was issued in favour of the injured officer.