A man charged with seriously injuring another man on Christmas Eve today had the charges against him increased because the victim died.

Joseph Muscat, 55, of Zebbug, is now being charged with causing Victor Refalo serious injury followed by death.

In a police statement, Mr Muscat said that Mr Refalo, who also lived in Zebbug, had asked him for a lift because he was drunk.

But when they got to the square he refused to get out of the van so he, the accused pushed him out and left the van.

He walked home but soon realised he had forgotten his cigarettes and on returning to the van found Mr Refalo’s relatives on site and they beat him up.

Mr Muscat had told the police he had hit Mr Refalo to defend himself from his advances.

The case continues