Patrick Pace, 38, from Birkirkara, was charged with threatening Joseph Friggieri from Bugibba. He was also accused of relapsing.

In a separate sitting, Friggieri was also arraigned in court and charged with defrauding Emanuel Mifsud of Lm6,700. Friggieri, also aged 38, who works in the construction industry, and Pace, who is unemployed, both pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them. They were both granted bail against a personal guarantee of Lm2,000.

Magistrate Lawrence Quintano presided over the court. Police inspector Joseph Cordina prosecuted and Dr Roberto Montalto and Dr Franco Debono appeared for the defendants.