An Italian man who travelled to Malta in search of a job but ended up involved in a fight, has been let out on bail after pleading not guilty in court.

Fulvio Ripoli, a 29-year old born in Rome and residing at Fgura, currently unemployed, landed on the wrong side of the law on account of his alleged involvement in the fight which broke out inside a Fgura bar. Another co-national who was involved, ending up suffering eye injuries.

The alleged culprit was also slightly injured in the brawl.

Mr Ripoli was arrested and charged on Thursday for involuntary grievous bodily harm upon the other Italian man. He was also charged with having assaulted and threatened the alleged victim and with having breached the public peace.

Defence lawyer Mark Mifsud Cutajar formally requested the prosecution to retrieve any CCTV footage from the scene of the crime which could shed light upon the dynamics of the incident, thereby making sure that all evidence was preserved.

Moreover, the defence lawyer informed the court that his client was formally giving notice of a police complaint which he intended to file against his alleged victim.

Although having allegedly explained to the police how he too had suffered an aggression at the hands of the other man, no steps had been taken so far, the court was told.

A request for bail prompted objections by prosecuting Inspector Spiridione Zammit who argued that the arrested man had intended to leave the island on Thursday morning and had even bought a ticket out of the country.

Moreover, civilian witnesses were still to testify, the prosecution continued. However, these arguments were countered by Dr Mifsud Cutajar who stressed that the presumption of innocence was truly merited in this case and pointed out that his client had a clean criminal record.

“Today is the first time that he stepped into court,” lawyer Mifsud Cutajar continued, insisting that the man surely did not deserve being denied bail. His submissions were upheld by presiding magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit who granted release from custody against a deposit of €500 and a €5,000 third party guarantee.

The sitting was temporarily suspended while the arrested man sought confirmation from the third party willing to step in as his guarantor.