Man charged with punching, passing homophobic comments granted bail

A 31-year-old delivery driver pleaded not guilty to a series of charges, including a hate-motivated assault, during an argument involving four people after a car crash escalated into violence in Qormi.

Brady Azzopardi was arraigned before the Court of Magistrates in connection with an incident that took place in the early hours of 27 December 2025. The incident happened after the accused was called to assist his girlfriend following a car crash. According to the prosecution, an argument broke out at the scene during which the victim was subjected to homophobic comments before being assaulted. Police intervention was required to bring the situation under control.

Azzopardi pleaded not guilty to all charges, which include causing grievous bodily harm, threats, and recidivism. The prosecution alleged that the offence was aggravated and motivated on the basis of the victim’s sexual orientation.

The defence requested bail, arguing that the accused felt threatened during the incident, and his girlfriend simply called him for help instead of the police. The court granted bail under strict conditions, including a requirement for the accused to sign at a police station three times a week. The court also imposed strict conditions on his delivery routes, ordering him to avoid the Marsa area altogether.

Lawyer Matthew Xuereb represented the accused. The prosecution was led by Inspectors Manuel Grech and James Mallia. Meanwhile, Nicholas Mifsud represented the parte civile.

Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech presided over the sitting.