Two bouncers who were found guilty of injuring two patrons during a Valentine's Day brawl seven years ago have had their jail-time converted to one of probation on appeal.

Bernard Briffa, 32, of Valletta and Stephen Catania, 47, of San Ġwann, had been sentenced to two months in prison and fined €1,000 each.

Italian nationals Luca di Mauro and Riccardo Miano, 27 and 35, had been badly manhandled in the course of the fight which broke out at Paceville club Clique.

Both foreigners had suffered serious facial injuries. Miano had also ended up with a fractured nose and several broken teeth.

The court of appeal, presided over by Madame Justice Edwina Grima, confirmed the assessment of facts given by the magistrate's court but ruled that the social background and personal problems of the two accused did not merit an effective jail term as punishment. 

The court converted the effective prison term of two months to a probation period of three years, while confirming the fine of €1,000 each.

Lawyers Veronique Dalli and Dean Hili appeared for Mr Briffa.
Lawyer Alessandro Lia appeared for Mr Catania.