Barrakka lift attendant admits punching client 'who refused to pay'

An operator of the Barrakka lift was charged in court today after punching a man who refused to pay the €1 fare. Mario Antonelli, 45 of Valletta was accused of injuring Michael Mertsch yesterday afternoon. Police Inspector Kaylie Borg said the victim's spectacles, worth €350, were broken during the incident. Mr Antonelli was granted bail pending judgment. He paid for the spectacles.