Admits to beating up his wife

A man yesterday admitted to beating up his wife but their son denied being violent to his mother in the same incident.

The 61-year-old man and his 26-year-old son were also charged with trying to seriously injure the woman, threatening her and insulting her.

The son was also accused of assaulting two probation officers, breaching the conditions of a previous release and relapsing.

The names of the family are not being published to protect the identity of the mother due to her mental health condition. The court heard how she had been suffering from depression for a few months before the incident occurred.

Magistrate Miriam Hayman ordered a pre-sentencing report to be drawn up about the 61-year-old man before she delivers sentence.

He was granted bail against a deposit of €350 and a personal guarantee of €2,000 on the condition that he lives with a friend until sentencing next week.

The son was remanded in custody. Police Inspector James Grech prosecuted.