Eritrean charged with injuring, threatening police officer

An Eritrean man has been remanded in custody after being charged with slightly injuring and threatening a police officer during a drunken episode.

Kubrom Berhe Haile, 29, of Valletta was also charged with resisting arrest, threatening police officers, disobeying orders, damaging police property, breaching the peace, and being drunk in public.

He denied all charges.

The incident occurred on Saturday at around 6:30am when the accused boarded a bus at the Marsa Park and Ride. The court heard how the bus driver requested that the accused get down from the bus as he was drunk, but the latter refused.

Magistrate Anthony Vella heard how consequently, the driver called for police assistance. The court heard how upon arriving the police officer was allegedly assaulted, spat at, and scratched by the accused.

The Eritrean pleaded not guilty the charges and was remanded in custody. Bail was not requested.

Magistrate Anthony Vella presided. Police Inspector Roderick Agius prosecuted while Lawyer Abigail Bugeja appeared for the accused.