Mark Spiteri, 19, from Birkirkara and a 17-year-old, also from Birkirkara, pleaded not guilty to seriously injuring Jean Pierre Gatt at Red Square in Paceville. They also denied slightly injuring Luke Bugeja and breaching the peace by shouting.

The young men were granted bail against a Lm5,000 personal guarantee.

The case was heard in front of magistrate Antonio Mizzi. Inspectors Martin Sammut and Carmelo Abdilla prosecuted while Dr Manwel Mallia and Dr Chris Cardona appeared for the accused.