A 25-year-old man was conditionally discharged and fined e186.35 (Lm80) after being found guilty of slightly injuring his brother after he punched him in the face with a knuckle duster.

The man, Johann Cachia, was originally charged with seriously injuring his brother Jason as the victim needed a number of stitches in his face.

However a doctor testified before presiding magistrate Saviour Demicoli that the victim was only injured slightly.

The fight between the two brothers broke out at their parents’ home in Mosta on 23 January 2005, when Jason Cachia was arguing with his father over his car. Johann Cachia started arguing with his brother and after seeing him grabbing a broom; he put his knuckle duster on and punched him on the face.

Magistrate Demicoli conditionally discharged him for three years and fined him e186.35 (Lm80) for possessing the knuckle duster which is an illegal weapon.

Police Inspector Therese Sciberras led the prosecution.