A 24-year-old tourist who was allegedly manhandled by the police was left with "no alternative" but to plead guilty to threatening the officers as he would have otherwise had to remain in Malta until the case was re-assigned.

Suleyman Omar Ahmed, who is originally from Somalia but who is currently studying at a British University, was charged with threatening the police, resisting arrest, breaching public peace and being drunk in public.

The incident occurred at around 3.30am in Paceville. It is understood that the accused was in an establishment with friends when he exited to withdraw money. When he returned to the club, the bouncers denied him access for no reason.

The police were called on site and, according to the accused, they beat him up, slightly injuring him. He was then taken to his hotel in Sliema where he hurled an insult at the police as a parting shot and was then re-arrested.

Lawyer Leontine Calleja initially submitted a not guilty plea, arguing that the insult should be viewed in the context of him allegedly being attacked by the police and asked whether any witnesses could testify since the accused had a flight to board on Thursday.

However, Magistrate Antonio Micallef Trigona refused to hear any evidence on the merits, stating that since the accused had pleaded not guilty, that was for another court to hear.

Prosecuting officer Trevor Micallef argued against the accused being granted bail since he was to leave the island on Thursday. The court turned down the request for bail.

Dr Calleja said that her client had no choice but to submit a guilty plea because he would have to remain behind bars and miss his flight until the case was re-assigned before another court.

"He has no alternative," Dr Calleja told the court, arguing that the insult had to be viewed in the context of him haven been beaten up. But the court was adamant that such a remark was not justified.

He was conditionally discharged for six months and fined €800.