A man was acquitted of seriously injuring another man, after a court heard that the alleged victim had injured himself when he broke a glass door.

Carmel Sammut, 58, of Birkirkara, had been accused of seriously injuring 22-year-old Christian Cumbo with a knife on 18 October 2004. He had also been charged with possession of an unlicensed knife and of breaching the peace.

The alleged victim had claimed the accused attacked him with a knife. He also told prosecuting inspector Kevin Farrugia that he had entered Mr Sammut’s house after breaking the inner glazed door (antiporta) of the residence.

In his testimony, Mr Sammut had explained that an argument ensued between him and Mr Cumbo’s father over a parking space. He said that to avoid trouble, he retired to his home and closed the inner door behind him.

He said that Mr Cumbo ran at the door, which was made of clear glass. “After hitting it, he broke it and his head went through the pane,” Mr Sammut explained. He continued to say that Mr Cumbo then punched and kicked him and broke some of his belongings.

After hearing all the witnesses in the case, presiding magistrate Anthony Vella ruled in favour of Mr Sammut and ordered him to be acquitted of all charges.

Dr Joseph Giglio appeared for Mr Sammut.