Barman acquitted of glass attack due to mistakes in investigation

A barman has been acquitted of causing serious injuries to a patron during a brawl at a St Julian’s club due to mistakes made during the investigation and identification process.

The incident took place on 10 February 2014, and saw Clinton Attard hit by a glass. Stephen Azzopardi, 36, from Pembroke, was charged over the incident.

Attard told the court that he was hit by a glass thrown in his direction as he was purchasing a drink, leaving him with a bloody wound. He was assisted by EMTs on site, before filing a police report.

Attard, along with a friend, only identified the accused after being shown a photo by police officers.

The accused later testified that a fight had broken out between two male customers, who threw glasses into the VIP area of the club, after they refused to pay for two bottles of alcohol.

The men were thrown out by security. Azzopardi was later placed under arrest by police.

The court noted that the victim recognised Azzopardi only after he was shown a photo, and this amounted to suggestion, which went against rules of procedure.

This, coupled with the lack of evidence brought forward, meant that the court could not make a decision beyond reasonable doubt.

The court was presided over by Magistrate Doreen Clarke. Lawyer Joe Giglio defended.