A 43-year-old man from Valletta was granted bail on Tuesday after pleading not guilty to threatening police officers following a road check in Floriana.

The court heard during the night between 23 and 24 August, officers from the Valletta police station were carrying out a road check when they saw a vehicle enter a one-way street against the direction of traffic.

Police followed and stopped the vehicle, allegedly noticing a smell of alcohol on the driver. He refused to take a breathalyser test and was subsequently taken to the Valletta police station.

The prosecution said that while at the station, the man began insulting and threatening the officers.

"Don't set up another roadblock in Floriana because I'll drive over you," he allegedly told them, before also threatening further officers.

While being taken to hospital in an ambulance, he allegedly continued: "If I see the police officers again, I'll take their lives."

A drug test later returned negative.

The court was also told that while in the police lock-up, the accused said he wanted to kill himself. He was taken back to hospital for further assessment before being discharged and brought to court.

The man, who works as a dishwasher in a pizzeria, pleaded not guilty to the charges. The defence did not contest the validity of his arrest, which was declared valid by the court.

The prosecution objected to bail, arguing that the man had threatened officers who were taking care of him. It noted that during the interrogation, when asked whether he regretted what he had done, the accused exercised his right not to answer.

The prosecution acknowledged his right not to answer but argued that no remorse had been expressed. It also pointed to a previous case in March involving a similar offence against a public officer, for which the accused was fined.

The defence argued that the nature of the charges did not justify keeping him under arrest and that there was no risk of tampering with evidence, particularly since the incident had been captured on police cameras.

The court granted bail after considering the nature of the charges, the accused's criminal record and the interests of both the individual and the public.

Protection orders were issued in favour of the police officers involved and their families.

The accused was granted bail against a €1,000 deposit and a €7,000 personal guarantee. He must sign the bail book at Sliema police station every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday between 8am and 8pm, and is prohibited from approaching or contacting prosecution witnesses.

The prosecution was led by Inspector Abigail Pomroy, while the accused was represented by lawyer Rachel Tua.

Magistrate Ingrid Bianco presided over the case.