A 47-year old bouncer was yesterday acquitted of grievously injuring a man on the night of 15 July 2005 at Fuego Salsa Bar, Paceville.

The court, presided over by Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera, heard how David Bonello, from Gharghur, had punched Saviour Spiteri on the face and broke his nose in self-defence.

Mr Spiteri had parked his car on the kerb in front of the club obstructing the entrance and arrogantly tried to enter the bar, where he was stopped by owner Mark Grima.

The two men tried to forcefully enter the club, at which point, Mr Bonello asked his colleagues to intervene.

Mr Spiteri had testified that he could not identify the person who punched him on the nose as he was knocked out.

The prosecution, led by Police Inspectors Carmelo Abdilla and Martin Sammut, argued that Mr Bonello had acted aggressively towards Mr Spiteri and caused him grievous injuries, while defence counsel Dr Joseph Giglio countered that his client was provoked and acted in self-defence.

The court held that Mr Spiteri had been very aggressive, arrogant and disregarded the bar's dress code.

It acquitted Mr Bonello of the charges brought against him as he acted in self-defence.