Italian pleads not guilty over Paceville assault

An Italian man was yesterday charged with assaulting a Maltese man who had tried to calm an argument between the Italian and his girlfriend.

The case took place in Paceville in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Alessio Minelli, 25, who currently lives in St Julian’s and works as a chef, had a loud argument with his partner when the Maltese man intervened. The good Samaritan ended up with broken teeth and other injuries.

Minelli was charged with causing grievous bodily harm and breaching the peace.

He was assisted in court by an Italian interpreter.

Before Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera he pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The man, who had a bandaged finger, claimed he was the one who was assaulted.

The court appointed a medical expert to examine the injuries suffered by both men.

The accused asked the court to collect CCTV footage from the site of the incident but the court refused, having previously heard the prosecution explain that there were no CCTV cameras in the vicinity.

Minelli was granted bail but was ordered not to approach or speak to his girlfriend, who is the main witness in the case, until she testifies. They can also, until then, not live under the same roof.

The Italian was also told not to go to Paceville while the case is being heard, to sign the bail book twice a week. He was also ordered to pay a deposit of €500 and provide a personal guarantee of €2,500.

Inspector Trevor Micallef prosecuted. Legal Procurator Peter Paul Zammit appeared for Minelli.