Christopher Farrugia, 32, a director of John's Garage, has been found not guilty of having seriously injured Howard Keith Debono, 39, of Attard.

The alleged incident took place in August 2007 at John's Garage in Hamrun.

Mr Debono told the court that he had been in possession of his wife's mobile phone and had noticed some suspicious SMSs which could have been sent to his wife from Mr Farrugia. He had therefore confronted Mr Farrugia at his office. Mr Debono claimed that as they were walking out, Mr Farrugia pushed him and hit him.

Mr Farrugia in his evidence said that he had been at his office when Mr Debono came in and threatened him. He got up and they both walked out. He said that Mr Debono continued to threaten him and then left.

Mr Farrugia said he immediately went to the police station to file a report. While on his way he received a phone call from Mr Debono wish fresh threats.

Mr Farrugia said he then called a lawyer who sent a letter to Mr Debono warning him not to approach him.

Later he asked his lawyer not to proceed with criminal action so that matters would not escalate.

The court said that Mr Farrugia had proved that he did not seriously injure Mr Debono and that the incident happened when Mr Debono went to his office to threaten him.

His version of events was supported by the testimony of two witnesses, who confirmed that Mr Debono had threatened Mr Farrugia. They never saw Mr Debono being assaulted.

Furthermore Mr Debono had reported the incident some four days after it was alleged to have taken place.