A 38-year-old tourist who was staying at a St Julian's hotel and caused havoc in his room was arraigned in court and handed a suspended sentence and ordered to pay a fine.

Polish national Adam Kazimierz Antonowicz, who was on a four-day visit to Malta, was arraigned on charges of having threatened or harmed the police officers, disobeying their lawful orders and disturbing the public peace. He was also charged with having threatened a woman, allegedly also residing at the hotel while under the influence of drink. The man was travelling with a friend and a couple.

Magistrate Josette Demicoli, who presided over the case, heard how the accused and his friends went out in a restaurant and went back to the hotel. They later heard a knock on the door and two police appeared before them who began to search the room. Antonowicz resisted the officers and was taken under arrest.

A roommate who testified said that he could not recall whether his friend insulted or threatened any woman and said that everything happened quickly.

After being severely warned by the magistrate, the man was ordered to pay a fine and handed a suspended sentence.

Inspector Trevor Micallef prosecuted. Lawyer Joseph Ellis appeared for the accused.