Richard, Charles, Saviour and Anthony Saliba, aged 43, 49, 57 and 72 respectively, were accused of assaulting and slightly injuring George Cauchi on 25 June at 5am at the fish market. They were also accused of breaching the peace.

The accused’s lawyers argued their bail requests by informing the court that their clients had freezers full of fish which would spoil if not attended to. The court, presided over by magistrate Lawrence Quintano, ordered the accused not to speak to Mr Cauchi except on official business. They were granted bail against personal guarantees of Lm1,000 each.

Police inspectors Pierre Micallef Grimaud and Josric Mifsud prosecuted while Dr Franco Debono and Dr Toni Abela appeared for the accused.