Man remanded in custody for punching Nigerian woman in fit of rage

43-year-old man remanded in custody after court takes umbrage at constant disruptions

A man who allegedly assaulted and shouted racial slurs at a Nigerian woman during an argument yesterday has been remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to the charges.

Standing in court with a bandage around his arm, Joseph Apap, 43, of St Paul’s Bay, pleaded not guilty to grievously injuring Faith Jezz Mohammed, to inciting racial hatred, and to breaching the public peace.

Magistrate Charmaine Galea heard how yesterday morning, the accused allegedly assaulted the woman, punching her tooth out in the process. While denying the charges, the accused was constantly heard disrupting the court and rebutting claims that he “hates migrants.”

The incident occurred at around 11am when Apap was standing in line behind two Nigerian women while waiting to cash cheques at an exchange bureau in Dawret il-Gzejjer, Bugibba.

Informed sources explained that the man sought to jump the queue because he did not want to be served after the Nigerian women. Subsequently, after growing increasingly restless, the man started remonstrating with the women and shouting racial slurs.

An argument erupted, during which the man assaulted Mohammed, punching her tooth out in the process.

In submissions, the prosecution upheld the defence’s plea for bail, arguing that it had no complaints. However, Apap’s constant interruptions and behaviour in court left much to be desired as they proved to be his downfall.

Despite the prosecution agreeing to the granting of bail, Magistrate Charmaine Galea nevertheless remanded the man in custody due to the serious nature of the crime and the accused’s behaviour. in court.

Police Inspector Maurice Curmi prosecuted while Lawyer Christopher Chircop was legal aid.