Paul Allen Sneddon, who was arrested for assaulting police officers last Monday – although he insisted that the police actually assaulted him – has been granted bail.

Mr Sneddon, a British national who resides in St Paul’s Bay, is accused of assaulting police officers, slightly injuring Police Inspector Godwin Scerri in the process, during the summer carnival held in his hometown last Sunday.

This morning, Insp. Scerri testified that he was on duty directing traffic in Qawra when Mr Sneddon approached him to request assistance in a dispute involving him and a neighbour.

He said that since he could not leave his post, and the other officer posted with him was busy at the time, he directed Mr Sneddon to wait 10 to 15 minutes.

However, the inspector said, Mr Sneddon responded by swearing at him, leading him to arrest him on the spot.

Insp. Scerri said that it was immediately evident that Mr Sneddon had provided false details to the police.

He said that while they were waiting for a police car to arrive, Mr Sneddon had calmed down and apologised for swearing, but a scuffle ensued when he was told that he could not be released until he provided the correct particulars.

Insp. Scerri insisted that since Mr Sneddon was restrained and unable to escape, he tried to inflict injuries on him and his colleague.

Sergeant Ivan Mifsud, who said that he was struck in the groin and that his radio had been damaged by Mr Sneddon, testified that the accused made a scene, jumping on the bonnet and shouting abuse.

During cross examination, lawyer Cedric Mifsud questioned whether a headlock was an acceptable method of restraining people, but the sergeant replied that there were no specific rules on how to subdue suspects.

Mr Sneddon was rebuked by Magistrate Audrey Demicoli after sarcastically asking Sgt Mifsud whether he swore on the cross as he left the dock and walked past him.

Nevertheless, he was granted bail against a €350 deposit and a €2,000 personal guarantee.