An 18-year-old man has been denied bail after being charged in connection with a fight at Golden Bay that left a 21-year-old man from Paola with grievous injuries.Mohammed Haj, a Syrian national living in Marsa, was arrested on Sunday at around 6pm following a reported brawl involving around 10 people at the popular Mellieħa beach as reported by Times of Malta.Police and Rapid Intervention Unit officers were called to the scene by the Malta Ranger Unit, where they found a group attempting to flee by climbing the rocky side of the bay.Haj was among those trying to escape but was the only individual who stopped when ordered by police, leading to his arrest.He has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm, threatening violence, assault and breaching the public peace. Haj pleaded not guilty.In court, his lawyer stated that the accused’s version of events differs significantly from that of the alleged victim, adding that Haj himself sustained slight injuries according to a medical report.The defence requested bail, arguing that the accused had no prior relationship with the victim and had no means of contacting him. They also stressed the need for CCTV footage to be reviewed and for other individuals involved in the incident to testify.However, the court denied bail. The case is set to continue at a later date.Following the incident, the Malta Ranger Unit called for increased police presence at Golden Bay, citing frequent fights and ongoing issues involving large groups gathering at the beach.The magistrate presiding is Elaine Rizzo.The prosecution is led by Inspector Warren Galea and Attorney General’s lawyer Joseph Camilleri Azarov.The accused was defended by Thomas Barbara Sant. •