A lawyer and a contractor yesterday dropped the charges they had filed against each other after they agreed to forgive each other for what had happened.

Dr Claire Bonello and contractor Charles Polidano decided to make friends and forgive each other after he apologised for having slapped her and she, in turn, apologised for insulting him.

The incident took place on 20 June at the Le Meridien Phoenicia in St Julian’s and continued outside the hotel. The hotel is owned by Mr Polidano, known as “Ic-Caqnu”.

Mr Polidano had slapped Dr Bonello after she passed a comment which Mr Polidano felt was insulting and provocative.

Following this incident, both Mr Polidano and Dr Bonello filed police reports about what had happened.

As a result, Dr Bonello, 32, from Sliema, was charged with insulting Mr Polidano and the latter was charged with assaulting Dr Bonello.

Before magistrate Silvio Meli, Mr Polidano apologised for what had happened and agreed not to harass Dr Bonello in the future. He also withdrew his case against her.

Dr Bonello declared she was satisfied with Mr Polidano’s apology and withdrew the case she had filed against him.

Police Inspector Carmelo Abdilla prosecuted.

Dr George Abela appeared for Dr Bonello while Dr Beppe Fenech Adami appeared for Mr Polidano.