A Ghanaian irregular immigrant living at the Ta’ Kandja detention centre was charged yesterday with having assaulted a police officer on 24 March.

The immigrant, 22-year-old Ismail Abubaker Garba, was accused of assaulting police constable Julian Grima, slightly injuring him. He was also accused of associating with other people with the intention of committing a crime.

Before magistrate Michael Mallia, the immigrant pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was granted bail and will be held at the detention centre instead of in prison.

Police inspector Sandro Zarb prosecuted and Dr Patrick Valentino was the defendant’s legal aide.