Man in custody for alleged death threat

A man who has served time for repeatedly stabbing his former partner was yesterday remanded in custody after being charged with threatening to kill her "by the New Year".

James Demanuele, 33, of Sta Lucija, was also accused of causing his nine-year-old daughter to fear him and with assaulting a police inspector.

Police Inspector Anthony Cassar told Magistrate Antonio Mizzi that Mr Demanuele had, in front of their nine-year-old daughter, threatened to kill his former partner, causing the girl to wake up at night to check on her mother.

Lawyer Nicole Vella, appearing parte civile for the alleged victim, said she was witness to Mr Demanuele's threatening phone calls and aggressive behaviour.

Inspector Cassar said Mr Demanuele had told his former partner that he would not sleep until he saw her dead.

The court also heard that Mr Demanuele had been jailed after the court had found him guilty of stabbing his former partner. This incident took place in 1999.

Mr Demanuele was further charged with breaching a court order when, by way of a previous ruling confirmed by the Court of Criminal Appeal in November 2006, he had been ordered not to approach or molest the woman or her family for a period of one year. He was also charged with relapsing.

Magistrate Mizzi heard defence lawyer Joe Brincat request bail for his client.

Inspector Cassar objected saying Mr Demanuele had told his former partner that he would kill her before the New Year. Magistrate Mizzi turned down the request for bail.

The magistrate granted the accused permission to take his two pet birds along with him to prison.

Lawyer Joseph Brincat appeared for Mr Demanuele.