An operator at the Valletta lift admitted in court that he assaulted Dr. Michael Mertch, the Chief Technology Officer at GO Plc and injuring him in the face, because he was making fun of Malta and local people after he refused to pay the  €1 fee to use the lift at the upper Barrakka gardens. Antonelli admitted.

The German denied saying such words and stated that after being punched he was left without spectacles which cost €350. The German explained to the court that he did not want to pay to use the lift as he already pay enough taxes while in Malta. Magistrate Carol Peralta said he will wait till tomorrow to decide on a sentence for Mario Antonelli, 45 of Valletta, a Transport Malta employee who operated the Valletta Lift.

Defence lawyer Josè Herrera said his client was ready to pay the whole amount in cash despite the court stating that the cost of the spectacles was "ridiculous."

Inspector Kyle Borg prosecuted.