Five people aged between 20 and 62 years were yesterday conditionally discharged for two years after they pleaded guilty to their involvement in a fight that broke out in the corridors of the law courts.

Darren Spiteri, 20, Patricia Camilleri, 43, Mary Rose Spiteri, 63, Brenda Mallia, 36, and Rose Mary Camilleri, 23, were involved in a fight that took place two years ago outside a courtroom.

The incident took place on 13 November 2004 when Karen Spiteri was charged before magistrate Joseph Apap Bologna. After the hearing was over, police constable Ashley Bugeja was escorting Ms Spiteri out of the courtroom, when he was surrounded by a group of people.

Before magistrate Tonio Micallef Trigona, several witnesses testified that they only saw Darren Spiteri punching the constable in the face.

The court said that even though only Spiteri hit the police officer, the fact he was surrounded by a group of people hampered him while he was carrying out his duty.

Magistrate Micallef Trigona conditionally discharged all five for two years and fined Darren Spiteri Lm100.

The magistrate also fined Patricia Camilleri and Mary Rose Spiteri Lm20 each.

Police Inspector Ramon Mercieca and Alexander Grech prosecuted while Dr Roberto Montalto appeared for the defence.