A man was yesterday charged with inciting others to break the law during the San Gaetan village feast in Hamrun on 13 August.

Sandro Spiteri, 23, from Hamrun, pleaded not guilty to threatening a number of police officers and disobeying their orders. He also pleaded not guilty to breaching the peace and inciting others to commit a crime.

The court, presided over by magistrate Anthony Vella, was told that Mr Spiteri was charged under arrest because the police could not find him at home following the brawl that broke out during the feast celebrations.

Mr Spiteri’s lawyer, Dr Malcolm Mifsud, then explained that the police could not find his client because he is not living at home with his parents but was living in a summer residence in Bugibba.

He said his client was not trying to escape justice and in fact he immediately went to the police station and released a statement when his mother told him that the police wanted him.

Police inspector Mario Tonna said another seven men had been summoned to appear in court to answer to the same charges while others still had to be summoned.

Magistrate Vella granted Mr Spiteri bail on condition that he signs twice a week at the Hamrun police station. He did not impose any deposit or personal guarantee and ordered that the case is referred to the court presiding over the Hamrun district sitting.

Police Inspector Mario Tonna prosecuted.