A taxi driver and a French couple came to blows over an argument which was made worse by the language barrier, a court heard today.

The 39-year-old taxi driver, Brian Aber, was today charged with having grievously injured Bruno de Bon and slightly injuring his wife Marie de Bon.

Police inspector Kylie Borg said the incident took place on 1 July at around 10.35 in Zebbug. The police had received a report that an argument between the three individuals had resulted in an assault. The injuries sustained by the French couple had been certified by a doctor, the inspector said.

The accused, who chose not to appoint a lawyer, pleaded guilty to the charges but insisted that he had not been wearing his glasses and had hit Mr de Bon when he put his hand out of the car window. The French couple shook their heads as a translator explained what the accused was saying.

Inspector Borg said Mr Aber had told the police he was punched when he tried to get the receipt back from the woman. He needed the receipt in order to get paid. The accused claimed the Frenchan had hit him on the head, knocking his off glasses and that he had only reacted after receiving a second blow.

On the other hand Mrs de Bon said she was pushed by the accused and her husband said he was punched.

Inspector Borg said the incident was a result of the language barrier. While asking for the punishment to reflect the injuries sustained by the couple, the inspector said she was not insisting on a prison term.

Taking the early admission into consideration, Magistrate Gabriella Vella handed down a two-year prison sentence, suspended for three years.