Shanaia Taliana from Qormi has been released on bail after being accused of assaulting police and security officers during an altercation at Mater Dei Hospital on 7 October.

During her arraignment, her initial request for bail had been refused.

Taliana had sought medical treatment at Mater Dei after experiencing chest pain following cocaine consumption.

While receiving treatment, Taliana attempted to leave the hospital to smoke a cigarette but was stopped by hospital staff.

An altercation subsequently broke out, during which Taliana allegedly became involved in a physical confrontation with two police officers and two security officers, all four of whom sustained slight injuries.

Taliana pleaded not guilty to assaulting and violently resisting police officers in the execution of their duties, causing slight injuries, disobeying and obstructing police officers, insulting or threatening officers, disturbing the public peace and using obscene language in public.

During her arraignment, Taliana became visibly distressed and pleaded with Magistrate Ingrid Bianco not to send her to prison, fearing that her condition would deteriorate and she would not receive the help she needed. Magistrate Bianco decided to remand her in custody.

However, during the first sitting in the compilation of evidence, Taliana was granted bail pending the continuation of criminal proceedings against her.

The prosecution objected to bail, citing the seriousness of the charges and her criminal record. However, defence lawyer Nicholas Mifsud argued that the gravity of the offences alone was insufficient to justify her continued detention, pointing out that all the offences listed on her criminal record had been committed when she was a minor.

The court ultimately granted bail against a €100 deposit and a €4,900 personal guarantee. Taliana was also ordered to sign the bail book daily and observe a curfew between 6pm and 8am.

Inspector Charlon Borg is prosecuting, while lawyer Nicholas Mifsud is appearing for the defence. Magistrate Ann Marie Thake is presiding over the case.