A young man from Birkirkara was today arraigned before the courts accused of causing grievous injuries to an under-age person.

Magistrate Aaron Bugeja heard how Leon Borg, 20 from Birkirkara was arrested on Christmas day, at around 10:30am. The prosecution explained that the man was arrested while at 'Gnien l-Istazzjon' in Birkirkara on 25 December. It appears Borg, who just turned 20 today, was found in possession of a knuckle duster without the necessary police permits.

The man is also being charged with disturbing public peace and with breaching conditions of bail previously imposed on him by the court of magistrates following a separate arraignment.

Prosecuting inspector Elton Taliana explained that the young man was involved in an argument with a certain Stefano Muscat who was accompanied by a young women who cannot be named because she is a minor. It emerged that the argument between Borg and the victim started off on Facebook but materialized later on at the public garden.

At one point, the accused hit the girl on her head and grievously injured her, causing possible permanent damage to one of her ears.

Defence lawyer Franco Debono told the Magistrate that the accused, who is a construction worker, should be granted bail. He argued that despite the fact that he is still under bail conditions following a separate court case, until proven otherwise, the accused has to be presumed innocent for both cases.

Borg also exhibited a jacket which is visibly thorn in two articular spots and Dr Debono explained that Muscat was carrying a pocket knife and used it in the fight which emerged between the two. The lawyer asked why this evidence was not relieved by the police for further investigation. Inspector Taliana argued that at no point did the accused make reference to being attacked with a knife.

The accused was previously charged with running over a man in Marsa during a late night argument, disobeying police orders, reckless and dangerous driving and simple cannabis possession. Magistrate Claire-Louise Stafrace had heard how Borg was also accused of driving a car without a licence and an insurance policy.

The man was granted bail with a personal guarantee of 10,000 euros and a deposit of 1,000.