A man who allegedly had his jaw fractured by a soldier working as a part-time bouncer at a Rabat nightclub told a court yesterday that he did not want the accused to get into trouble.

One of Renè Brincat's lawyers, Marion Camilleri, told Magistrate Edwina Grima that her client did not wish to get the bouncer into trouble and that it would be enough if he paid him for the damages.

The prosecution, however, insisted that the charges could not be withdrawn and he and his two friends would still have to testify.

Stephen Ciangura, a 32-year-old Bombardier from Rabat, yesterday formally denied seriously injuring Mr Brincat when he allegedly kicked him in the face with his knee, fracturing his jaw. He also denied committing a crime he was in duty bound to prevent.

The incident took place at about 2 a.m. on the night of August 15 when Mr Brincat, 25, and his two friends were at Gianpula nightclub on the outskirts of Rabat.

Police Inspector Ramon Mercieca, prosecuting, told the court he started investigating the case after Mr Brincat's father filed a police report when his son was still at Mater Dei Hospital.

Inspector Mercieca said he could only talk to Mr Brincat several days after the incident because the victim was unable to speak due to surgery to his jaw.

The victim told the police he had been approached by a bouncer who accused him of urinating against a wall close to the bar. An argument ensued and one of the bouncers, who he knew was Mr Ciangura, grabbed his head with both hands and dealt a blow to his jaw with his knee.

Mr Brincat's friends took him to Mater Dei where a metal frame was used to keep his jawbone in place until a metal plate was implanted.

Defence lawyer Arthur Azzopardi said that, while he was prepared to enter into discussions with the victim's lawyers, he had to put it on record that his client was strongly denying any involvement in the incident.

The case continues.

Lawyer Manwel Mallia also appeared for Mr Ciangura.

Lawyer Franco Debono also appeared for the victim.