Several witnesses testified in court earlier this week, claiming they were assaulted by police officers on the night of their arrest following a car chase that ended near the Santa Venera Tunnels, MaltaToday reported.

The case revolves around a 33-year-old Filipino man, who stands accused of attempting to grievously injure a police constable, damaging the officer’s phone, and failing to obey police orders.

The accused, who resides in Pietà, also faces charges of reckless driving and driving under the influence.

Witnesses, who were passengers in the car at the time, told the court they had been drinking earlier that night in Paceville. The incident began when the accused allegedly drove off while being issued a fine by the police, leading to a car chase. The vehicle came to a stop after sustaining a puncture, and all occupants were arrested.

One witness claimed police struck him in the face with a weapon during the arrest, while another alleged he was thrown to the ground and pinned down, calling the experience “traumatic.”

Another passenger stated his arm, previously fractured, was worsened during the arrest after an officer allegedly twisted it.

The defence, led by Franco Debono, requested that damaged personal items, including broken glasses, be preserved as evidence.

A police officer testified that the accused was driving at excessive speeds and that his own phone was damaged during the arrest. The officer also claimed he sustained back injuries.

The accused pleaded not guilty and was granted bail against a €2,000 deposit and a €3,000 personal guarantee. He is required to follow a curfew and sign the bail book regularly.

What do you make of this?