A Libyan man today was remanded in custody over a fight that took place yesterday in Valletta during which the accused allegedly pushed his work colleague through a glass door during an argument. His work colleague, a 19-year-old Sudanese, is still being treated in hospital for head injuries. The incident took place in St Ursula Street at around 5pm.

Benghazi-born Muhannad Fadlallah Ali, 31, who works as a plasterer, was charged with causing serious injuries to Rachid Awan Adam Yakub, damaging private property and breaching the public peace.

The court heard how the two got into an argument and Mr Ali felt aggrieved when his Sudanese co-workers passed offensive comments about his mother. The Libyan bore some slight injuries to the face.

Inspector Daryl Borg, prosecuting, said the accused should be denied bail since the victim, as well as other civilian witnesses, still had to testify. He said video footage of the incident will also be presented as evidence.

Lawyer Patrick Valentino, who was appointed as legal aid lawyer to the accused, said the court could grant bail whilst ordering Mr Ali not to go to Valletta. The accused, he said, had cooperated, had a clean police record and risked losing his job if he was held behind bars. Inspector Borg pointed out that the accused and the victim were co-workers.

Magistrate Josette Demicoli denied bail but urged the prosecution to present all witnesses in the case in the next sitting.

It is understood that the Sudanese man will be charged with causing Mr Ali slight injuries.