Two 16-year-olds charged with breaking teen's leg in Valletta assault

Updated 4.10pm

Two teenagers have been charged with assault in connection with a violent attack in Valletta that left a child with a broken leg.

The 16-year-old boys, who cannot be named by court order, sat quietly in court as charges were read out against them on Wednesday afternoon.

One of the teenagers is from Floriana and works at a supermarket. The other is from Valletta and declared that he is unemployed.

They jointly stand accused of assault, causing a person grievous injuries, insults and threats. Both have also been charged separately with causing a person slight injuries.  Given that they are 16, they will be charged as minors, meaning they will face reduced punishment if found guilty. Prosecutors however say that aggravating factors in the crime would augment the accused's sentences, should they be convicted.  Both pleaded not guilty and requested bail. A decision on their bail request is expected later on Wednesday. Police announced that they had arrested the two on Tuesday evening.

Speaking in court, Inspector Daryl Borg told the court that one of the accused was found at home, while the other was accompanied to the police station by his stepfather.

The two had...