Two Paceville bouncers convicted of injuring two patrons during a violent Valentine's Day brawl seven years ago have had their prison sentence converted to one of probation on appeal.

Bernard Briffa, 32, of Valletta and his colleague Stephen Catania, 47, of San Ġwann, had previously been sentenced to two months in prison and a fine of €1,000 each. They had also been found guilty of lacking the necessary licence to work as bouncers and with having disturbed the public peace.

The incident happened in 2010, when Italian nationals Luca di Mauro and Riccardo Miano, 27 and 35 respectively at the time, were badly manhandled in the course of the fight which broke out at Paceville club Clique.

Both foreigners had suffered serious facial injuries, with cuts more than 3cm long. Mr Miano had also ended up with a fractured nose and several broken teeth.

The court of appeal, presided over by Madame Justice Edwina Grima, confirmed the assessment of facts undertaken by the magistrate's court but declared that the social background and personal problems of both accused did not merit an effective jail term as punishment. 

Basing itself upon recommendations in social enquiry reports drawn up by two separate probation officers, the court found that Mr Briffa had been orphaned at the age of seven. The court also noted Mr Briffa had to care for his wife, who had medical problems.

Mr Catania, the court found, had anger management issues as well a drug dependency which he had sought treatment for, though he still suffered the occasional relapse.

The court converted the effective prison term of two months to a probation period of three years, whilst confirming the fine of €1,000 each.

Lawyers Veronique Dalli and Dean Hili appeared for Mr Briffa.
Lawyer Alessandro Lia appeared for Mr Catania.