Waiter charged after fist fight with taxi driver

A waiter charged in court with grievously injuring a taxi driver after getting into a fist fight with him, has claimed self-defence.

Police investigations into the fight that happened in Floriana at 4am are ongoing and it has not been ruled out that action could be taken against other people.

Inspector Jeffrey Scicluna arraigned Petar Mladenovic, 23, from Serbia before Magistrate Ian Farrugia on Monday morning. Mladenovic was charged with grievously injuring the taxi driver and breaching the peace.

The Inspector told the court that a fight took place on Sunday, at around 4am near the Phoenicia hotel in Floriana.

The taxi driver was grievously injured in the altercation, suffering injuries to his nose and lip. The Serb was later arrested, telling the police that he had acted in self-defence after he was attacked by a group of taxi drivers.

Mladenovic said he had punched the man after being attacked but the taxi driver and his wife claimed to have been attacked by the accused whilst in their car, the police inspector told the court.

The police have not ruled out further action against other people involved in the incident.

Mladenovic pleaded not guilty to the charges. Lawyer Stephanie Abela, defence counsel, requested bail to which the prosecution did not object.

Abela asked the court to take into account the fact that Mladenovic was a waiter with limited financial means and long working hours.

He was released on bail against a deposit of €500 and was ordered not to approach the alleged victim or any witnesses.