A 54-year-old man from Naxxar was yesterday charged with violently and indecently assaulting a German national in a bar in Bugibba on New Year’s Day.

Mario Ellul was also accused of holding the woman against her will and slightly injuring her. The alleged victim testified behind closed doors yesterday.

Mr Ellul, who before magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him was granted bail against a deposit of Lm600.

Police Inspector Paul Bond prosecuted while Dr Giannella Caruana Curran appeared for the accused.