A 43-year-old man from Zebbug was yesterday charged with assaulting and seriously injuring another man.

Leslie Galea, pleaded not guilty before presiding magistrate Michael Mallia, to seriously injuring James Demanuele in Birzebbuga on Sunday, at around 1.30pm.

He was also charged with the theft of a mobile phone and causing up to e116.47 worth of damage to the detriment of Mr Demanuele. Mr Galea also pleaded not guilty to assaulting and insulting Mr Demanuele and breaching the peace.

Magistrate Mallia granted Mr Galea bail against a deposit of e600, and a personal guarantee of e3,000.

Police inspector Priscilla Caruana prosecuted, while Dr Antonio Tufigno, Dr Daniela Mangion and Dr Gabrielle Buttigieg appeared for the accused.