Barman acquitted of biting off client's nose

Carmel Micallef, 60, of Zebbug was acquitted of grievously injuring one if his patrons after the court held he acted in self-defence.

Magistrate Saviour Demicoli heard how on 9 November 2008 an argument escalated into a fight at Central Bar in Zebbug.

During the fight the accused bit off Michael Farrugia's nose who suffered grievous injuries and had to be operated on.

Micallef explained how he's owned the bar for 36 years and said that on the fateful night his patrons were watching football when the alleged victim entered the shop and created a ruckus, insulting patrons and challenging the owner for a fight.

Upon seeing this, the owner asked Farrugia to exit the bar and allow him to close the shop, however the patron refused to leave and was about to smash a display with a stool.

On refusing the leave the shop, the two man got engaged in a fist fight outside the bar. When Micallef told the assailant he would report him to the police, Farrugia started fighting again.

A number of persons who were in the bar broke off the fight and a report was eventually filed at the Qormi police station while Farrugia was sent to the Floriana polyclinic for treatment.

Carmel Micallef claimed that he did not remember if he had bitten Farrugia, however for he past six years the man went to his shop and hassled him.

Two weeks prior to the argument the same Farrugia had assaulted Micallef in the presence of police officers.

Inspector Malcom Bondin prosecuted while Dr Robert Abela appeared for the accused.