A 32-year-old man from Valletta was charged yesterday with slightly injuring a police officer at St Julian’s village feast on Sunday afternoon.

Before magistrate Michael Mallia, Ivan Galea pleaded not guilty to offending police constable L. Balzan Engerer, disobeying his orders and damaging a parked vehicle to the detriment of Rebecca Burr.

He was further charged with breaching the peace, being drunk to the extent that he could not control his actions, and relapsing.

Prosecuting inspector Martin Sammut told the court that the accused was seen head-butting the mudguard of Ms Burr’s Ford Ka. As the police constable attempted to stop him, the accused punched him in the neck.

Mr Galea was granted bail against a personal guarantee of Lm1,000 (EUR2,329. He was represented by Dr David Camilleri.