Difficulties at the Social Security Department prompted a man to fetch a knife from home which he then used to threaten staff, the court heard yesterday.

Paul Mifsud, 56, from Cospicua, yesterday pleaded guilty to threatening government employees at the department last Friday.

Prosecuting inspector Fabian Fleri told the court that Mr Mifsud lost his temper after problems arose when he went to the Social Security Department in Vittoriosa with his document entitling him to free medication.

"He was angry, went home, got a knife and went back to the social security office to threaten the employees," Inspector Fleri said.

Mr Mifsud also pleaded guilty to resisting a police officer, disobeying police orders and being in possession of a knife without a police licence.

In another arraignment, 33-year-old Adrian Bonello pleaded guilty to slightly injuring two policemen yesterday.

Mr Bonello from Rabat also pleaded guilty to threatening and resisting police officers in Rabat.

Police inspector Joseph Agius prosecuted.

Magistrate Miriam Hayman requested pre-sentencing reports for both men and adjourned their respective cases till Tuesday.

Lawyer Mark Busuttil appeared for Mr Mifsud while Jose Herrera appeared for Mr Bonello.