Bail granted after assaulting man with truncheon

A 32-year-old plumber from Cospicua who was “continuously harassed” by a man who has a crush on his girlfriend was today granted bail after pleading not guilty to seriously injuring a man in Marsascala.

Gerald Callus, 32, of Cospicua, denied seriously injuring Mario Barbara, 31, of Marsascala, breaching the public peace, threatening a bar customer, and threatening Barbara.

The incident occurred on Monday between 9pm and 10:30 pm when the accused entered Summer Bar in St Thomas Street, Marsaskala. An argument then ensued between the two men, and Callus allegedly assaulted Barbara with a truncheon – breaking it in two in the process.

The court also heard that the accused threatened Lorna Frendo, a bar customer, who upon berating the accused for assaulting Barbara, was told “you [Frendo] are next.”

In submissions for bail, the defence told the court that the accused is trying to live a quiet life as a family man but he is being continuously harassed by Mario Barbara.

Moreover, he explained that Barbara used to have a relationship with the accused’s cousin – and the latter allegedly “suffered a lot.” This, Callus’s lawyer said, is placing the accused under continuous stress as he is  fearing that his young son would suffer a similar fate.

Consequently, the defence argued, the accused is continuously under stress and nervous due to the ongoing “harassment.” Defence lawyer Michael Sciriha argued that even though violence is never justified, Barbara instigated the argument, and not his client.

Prosecuting inspector Robert Said Sarreo objected to bail, arguing that he was afraid that the accused would tamper with evidence due to his nervous issues, and that he would approach the witnesses.

The court granted the man bail against a personal guarantee of €5.000, and ordered that he does not approach the victim and his girlfriend.

Inspector Robert Said Sarreo prosecuted, while lawyers Michael and Lucio Sciriha were defence counsel.