Jason Tabone, 35, from Swatar, was found guilty of assaulting security officer Frans Fava after the latter argued over allowing a woman into the Law Courts from a secondary door which is usually used by lawyers.

The court heard how Mr Fava stopped a woman from entering the Law Courts to give a book to another court employee. Tabone insisted that the woman should be allowed to pass from there but Mr Fava did not allow her to pass. This was when a scuffle ensued and Mr Fava was hit in the head.

Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera found Tabone guilty of assaulting Mr Fava. He was, however, cleared of attacking Mr Fava and of breaching the peace.

Tabone was conditionally discharged for a year.

Police inspector Josric Mifsud prosecuted.