A man who threatened his long-time friend with a butter knife and then rammed his father’s van into his friend’s BMW in a fit of rage was ordered by a court to serve 60 hours community work.

The victim forgave the accused for his actions, saying that his friend was “out of it” since they had been drinking before the incident took place.

Jurgen Schembri 22, from Pieta`, pleaded guilty to causing more than €6,000 to a car belonging to Clifton Demanuele of Hamrun on 31 August, threatening him, driving without a valid licence or insurance cover, swearing in public, breaching the peace, being in the possession of a sharp and pointed instrument without a police licence, and disobeying police orders.

The two friends went to Gianpula together in Mr Demanuele’s car. Mr Demanuele said that he took a girl to a polyclinic and left Mr Schembri behind at Gianpula. Mr Demanuele went to the home of the girl’s parents to explain what had happened to their daughter.

Mr Schembri seems to have taken offence over the fact that Mr Demanuele left him behind. Mr Schembri drove his father’s van to the girl’s parents’ house, stepped out of the vehicle and told Mr Demanuele off. Mr Demanuele apparently ignored him and at this point Mr Schembri rammed the van into Mr Demanuele’s BMW. Mr Schembri also threatened him with a butter knife.

It is understood that Mr Schembri suffered some bruises due to the fact that Mr Demanuele restrained him to try and calm him down.

Police Inspector Eliot Magro prosecuted while lawyer Leontine Calleja defended the accused. Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit presided over the case.