Libyan granted bail but goes to prison

Libyan national Yousri Agouri, 33 from Fgura, was granted bail after pleading not guilty to assaulting officers, damaging a private vehicle and breaching bail conditions.

Prosecuting inspector Luke Bonello explained how late in the evening of 14 October, the accused was driving his vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Due to negligent behaviour and his drunken stupor, Agouri crashed into another vehicle, damaging the car and slightly injuring Barbara Szedzianis who was in the car.

When police arrived on the site, the accused refused to give them his details. Instead he threatened the officers and assaulted them.

Inspector Bonello stated the man has a history of assaulting officers especially when he is drunk. This is the fourth case Agouri has over similar charges.

Defence lawyer Joe Brincat demanded bail, arguing that irrelevant of his past, the accused is still presumed to be innocent.

"The fact he committed similar offences in the past does not mean he's guilty this time. One cannot use a police record to prove somebody guilty", Dr Brincat held.

Magistrate Charmaine Galea granted the accused bail against a deposit of €400 and a personal guarantee of €8,000.

The accused informed the Magistrate he could not pay the bail money because the money he earns goes to his children. "I get paid every end of month, I send my two children to private schools and have rent and utility bills to pay", Agouri said.

Given the accused could not pay the bail deposit he was remanded in custody. He will be released once the €400 deposit is paid.

Inspector Luke Bonello prosecuted while Lawyer Joe Brincat appeared for the accused.