A man who punched a woman in an argument had a jail sentence changed on appeal into a suspended jail term because he has changed his ways.

Joseph Garrett, 27, of Żebbuġ, was involved in a fight in Havana Club, Paceville on 9 July, 2006 at about 1.30am. He was found guilty by a magistrate’s court of grievously injuring Loredana Zampa by punching her, without the intention of killing her, and of relapsing.

Mr Justice Lawrence Quintano, in the Court of Criminal Appeal, agreed with the Magistrates’ Court findings but time has passed and Mr Garrett has changed his ways and has fixed employment. In the circumstances, a jail term was not suitable.

The Magistrates’ Court had sentenced Mr Garrett to two-and-a-half years in jail, which the appeal court changed into a jail term of two years, suspended for four.

Mr Garrett admitted there was a fight on the night in question but he had not punched the young woman. Somebody had shoved him and he had been hit with a handbag by a girl in the melee that ensued.

Ms Zampa said it was Mr Garrett who punched her, a version which was corroborated by other witnesses. But the appeal court said Mr Garrett has integrated well in society and has a good conduct.

Mr Garrett and his friend, Philip Muscat, were taken to a police station where Ms Zampa’s father and Martin Camilleri called. Dr Camilleri recognised Mr Garrett as the man who had punched Ms Zampa on the face. He certified that Ms Zampa suffered a fracture of the nasal bone and had a superficial laceration.