Emmanuel Azzopardi, 57 of Hamrun, was arraigned in court yesterday, charged with attempting to seriously injure Carmen Micallef last Sunday at about 8.30pm.

Azzopardi, who is the brother of Labour candidate Charles Azzopardi, was arraigned before Magistrate Neville Camilleri charged with committing an offence because of a political opinion, slightly injuring Micallef, threatening her with violence and frightening her.

The incident occurred in Porky’s restaurant, Hamrun, where Carmen Micallef had her 11-year-old daughter with her and was buying a pizza. The daughter apparently said aloud enough to be heard “jaqq, Laburisti” (how disgusting, Labour Party supporters).

Azzopardi was with a group of other party supporters, one of whom spat at the woman and grabbed a five euro note from her hand, which he tore up. Emmanuel Azzopardi allegedly hit out at her with a plastic bottle, hitting her near an eye.

Micallef went to the Floriana health centre, from where she was referred to hospital, where she was treated for a scratch in the eye which may lead to complications.

Azzopardi pleaded not guilty and was allowed bail on a deposit of €300 and a personal guarantee of €10,000.