By Monique Agius

Copyright timesofmalta

A ferry captain recounted in court how a traditional boatman (barklor) punched him and bit his finger after he asked him to stop filming. Criminal proceedings began yesterday against Ivan Agius, 52, from Cospicua, who is accused of grievously injuring a Valletta Ferry Services captain as well as threatening and insulting him during an incident earlier this month. Testifying, the alleged victim described a strained relationship with Agius, saying that, although they knew each other, the accused would often provoke him. “Sometimes, I’d be going about my business and he would start filming me,” the witness said. On the morning of September 4, the ferry captain said he was unloading materials near the ferry, which travels between Cospicua and Valletta, when Agius approached at about 9am and began recording him using his phone. The captain asked him to stop. “For me, these are all provocations,” the witness said. “One comes to film you without any reason.” He claimed Agius replied: “I film, yes. So when the time comes, I have the videos.” has two children.” The victim replied: “And I have four”. Magistrate Monica Vella ruled there was a case to answer for. A bail request was made by defence lawyer Franco Debono, while parte civile lawyer Ana Thomas noted there was already a protection order in place. Prosecutor Godwin Cini objected to bail, citing the accused’s criminal record and concerns about evidence tampering. The court is set to rule on bail from chambers. The case continues in October. Police inspector Gabriel Kitcher assisted the prosecution. Lawyers Marion Camilleri and Marcus Ciantar also appeared for the accused.