A 57-year-old white taxi driver from Fgura has appeared in court after allegedly punching a Y-plate driver in the face during a dispute outside the Virtu Ferries terminal.
Charles Aquilina is facing charges relating to grievous bodily harm, including allegedly causing bodily harm or damage to the alleged victim without intent to kill or to put his life in manifest jeopardy, as well as causing fear that violence would be used against him.
It was alleged that the incident took place on 28 September in front of the Virtu Ferries terminal, where an argument erupted between the accused and the cab driver. Aquilina allegedly claimed that the victim was "taking his work."
The confrontation escalated when the accused punched the victim in the face, inflicting a facial laceration.
The defence did not contest the validity of the arrest and submitted a request for bail.
The prosecution objected to the accused being released from custody, highlighting the serious nature of the offence, the risk of evidence tampering, and the fact that the victim and four eyewitnesses, colleagues of the accused, have yet to testify.
During arguments on bail, the presiding magistrate stated that the four eyewitnesses in question were friends of the accused and could easily be contacted if he were released. The prosecution confirmed that no CCTV footage of the altercation had been secured.
Countering the prosecution's objections, the defence argued that the fear of evidence being tampered with was unfounded, emphasising that the accused did not know the victim prior to the incident.
Defence counsel stressed that bail should not be withheld unnecessarily if the course of justice can be safeguarded, suggesting that until the witnesses testify, the accused would refrain from working at the terminal.
The court rejected the request for bail.
Duty Magistrate Abigail Critien presided over the arraignment.
AG lawyer Kristina Bartolo appeared for the prosecution alongside Inspector Miriam Lia. Defence lawyer Roberto Montalto represented the accused.