A soldier has been released on bail against a personal guarantee of €10,000 and a deposit of €200 after he pleaded not guilty to seriously injuring his girlfriend's father Mark Vella.

Brandon Callus, 21, from Birżebbuġa was charged with hitting Mr Vella with a billiard cue after he refused to accept his and his daughter's relationship.

Lawyer Michael Sciriha told the court that Mr Vella drove down from St Pauls Bay to a club in Luqa, where Mr Callus was taking part in a billiard tournament, after being told that Mr Callus had a child with another woman.

It was during the argument that ensued between the two men that Mr Callus allegedly struck Mr Vella over the head.

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