A Colombian national in Malta studying English has been handed a 12 month prison term suspended to two years, and a €4,000 fine after he knowingly injured a plain clothed police officer during an argument with a third party.

The incident took place on 19 January at around 2.30am, when Nicolas Lopez Vanegas, 26, was in the midst of a heated argument while at a bar in Paceville. Two officers in plain clothes approached the situation in order to calm down tensions.

Prosecuting Inspector Matthew Spagnol said in open court that the plain clothed officers had identified themselves, but despite this the accused still proceeded to throw a glass at them, injuring one of the officer's face.

Magistrate Caroline Farrugia Frendo, presiding over the case, asked the accused to reconfirm his guilty plea, warning him that charges related to injuring a police officer could result in a prison term.

The accused did so, while lawyer Lucio Schriha stressed for the courts to make all relevant considerations before adjudicating. He pointed out that Mr Vanegas was to be in Malta for 24 weeks studying English, adding that it is known how students such as the accused tend to be overwhelmed with Malta's vibrant nightlife.

"We know what happens when students come to Malta, our nightlife is a bit much for them," he said.

It was also noted that the accused had a clean criminal record and that he had cooperated in full with the authorities following the incident.

In view of this, a one year prison term was suspended to two years, and a €4,000 fine was imposed, to be paid by 9 March.