A man from Vittoriosa allegedly disobeyed police orders when ordered to wear his seat belt and proceeded to drag a superintendent for 20 metres along the road, all in the presence of the prime minister and a number of ministers and ambassadors last Sunday.

Elton John Formosa, 30, pleaded not guilty yesterday to attempting to seriously injure Superintendent Patrick Spiteri at around 11am on 4 September in Vittoriosa, by dragging him for 20 metres while driving a white Skoda.

He was also accused of injuring and assaulting the superintendent, breaching the peace, disobeying police orders, driving recklessly and not wearing a seat belt.

According to prosecuting inspector Anthony Cassar, the incident occurred after Superintendent Spiteri stopped Mr Formosa and ordered him to wear his seat belt.

The accused allegedly refused to stop and dragged the superintendent for 20 metres along the road. Inspector Cassar said the prime minister and a number of ministers and ambassadors were present at the scene of the incident.

Presiding magistrate Anthony Vella granted Mr Formosa bail against a Lm500 guarantee. Dr Noel Camilleri appeared for the accused.