Accused of domestic violence

A 44-year-old man on crutches limped into a court room yesterday to face charges of domestic violence against his partner.

The man, of Gzira, pleaded not guilty to threatening and assaulting the woman, damaging her car, disobeying the police, escaping arrest and damaging another man's car on September 17.

He was also charged with using violence to force his partner to do his bidding and causing her and her family to fear that something might happen to them over the past seven months.

Police Inspector Mario Tonna, prosecuting, told Magistrate Miriam Hayman how the man injured his leg (when he caused damage to the cars) on the day he was arrested, that is, on September 17.

He had spent a couple of days in hospital during which time he phoned the woman and threatened her and her son, the officer said.

Lawyer Joseph Bonnici, for the man, asked the magistrate to ban the publication of his client's name. The magistrate turned down the request, ruling there was no legal justification to do so, but she banned publication of the name of any minors who may be mentioned during the case.

The Times is not publishing the name of the man to protect the identity of his partner.

The accused was granted bail on condition he does not communicate with the woman or her family in any way and that he does not leave his Gzira home without permission.

He was bound by a Lm1,000 deposit and a personal guarantee of Lm2,000.