A Zabbar pensioner was yesterday accused of disfiguring his neighbour’s face and seriously injuring him after allegedly hitting him with a broken tile during an argument that broke out between the two next-door neighbours.

The court heard how the incident took place when Carmelo Caruana, 63, from Xghajra, was involved in a heated argument with his next-door neighbour, Anthony Scerri, while Mr Caruana was cutting a tile outside his house.

During the argument, which took place on Tuesday afternoon, Mr Caruana allegedly hit Mr Scerri with a broken tile in his face, seriously injuring him. He was also accused of breaching the peace.

Mr Caruana had visible injuries to his face and the court was informed that Mr Scerri is expected to be charged separately in the coming days.

Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani granted the accused bail against a personal guarantee of Lm2,000. She also ordered him and his family members present in the courtroom not to approach or speak to Mr Scerri and his family.

Police Inspector Anthony Cassar prosecuted while Dr Anglu Farrugia appeared for the accused.