Carmelo Delia, 46, and his son Samuel, 18, both from Zabbar, were both accused of assaulting Anthony and Maria Stella Valvo on Saturday.

They were also accused of threatening Mr Valvo and breaching the peace. In a brief submission to the court yesterday, prosecuting inspector Anthony Cassar said the problem between Carmelo Delia and the mayor had been going on for years. Mr Delia allegedly blamed Mr Valvo for the expropriation of a plot of land.

The accused requested bail on the grounds that the incident had been an argument between neighbours resulting in minor injuries.

Duty magistrate Miriam Hayman ordered both accused to be remanded in custody. Dr Michael Grech appeared for the accused.