A man who works as a nursing aide at St Vincent De Paul was yesterday charged with punching and slightly injuring an elderly patient at the hospital on 26 July.

Michael Calleja, 38, from Cospicua, pleaded not guilty to punching Jane Dimech at the St Joseph Ward. Before Magistrate Doreen Clarke, he also pleaded not guilty to committing a crime he was duty bound to prevent and harassing the woman.

Police Inspector Jesmond Borg prosecuted while Dr Jose Herrera and Dr Veronique Dalli appeared for the accused.