Criminal proceedings between two brothers who injured each other during a drunken altercation were halted on Monday, although one of the men was fined for breaching bail conditions.

The brothers, aged 27 and 25 and hailing from Mosta, were charged with grievously injuring each other, being drunk in public and recidivism. The younger brother, a construction worker, also faced a charge of breaching bail.

During the arraignment, the 27-year-old gym instructor denied all charges, while the younger brother admitted to breaching bail after being found outside during curfew hours.

Police inspector Sherona Buhagiar explained that the incident occurred on Saturday, when the two brothers became involved in a brawl and required medical assistance. Both later told the police that they were heavily intoxicated at the time but stressed that their relationship remained good. CCTV footage of the incident was also presented.

The younger brother was arrested at the scene due to his bail status, while the elder brother was arrested the following day. Both subsequently informed the police that they did not wish to pursue criminal action against each other.

The court accepted the defence request to declare the case against the 27-year-old extinguished. In the case of the younger brother, all charges were dropped except for the breach of bail conditions.

Defence counsel argued that his client should be fined rather than imprisoned, noting issues with binge drinking and proposing a treatment order. Prosecutor Krista Spiteri Lucas pointed out that this was the second time the accused had been charged within a month.

The court ordered the forfeiture of €1,000 from the man's bail deposit, imposed an additional €1,000 fine, and placed him under a treatment order. A ban on the publication of the accused's names was also issued.