Arraigned after argument over pram

A father declared in court yesterday he was determined to keep away from his former girlfriend even if it meant not seeing his two young children.

The 24-year-old airport worker was charged with trying to throttle his ex-girlfriend over a petty argument on Tuesday at about midday. They have two girls together, one aged two and the other three. In fact, the argument was sparked off by a pram the man bought for the children.

The man became furious when he learnt that the pram he had just bought was in someone else's possession. He contacted his ex-girlfriend via SMS and, when the two met in Valletta, he allegedly grabbed her by the neck and tried to strangle her, according to police sources.

He is pleading not guilty to trying to seriously injure her, slightly injuring her, threatening and harassing her.

During submissions on bail, Magistrate Antonio Micallef Trigona asked defence lawyer Charmaine Cherrett what guarantees would be in place if the accused were to be granted bail.

The accused told the court he was ready to even not see his two daughters in order not to speak or see her.

After taking into consideration the fact that the two do not meet or talk anymore, the court granted bail against a personal guarantee of €1,000.

Lawyer Franco Debono also appeared for the accused.

The name of the accused is withheld to protect the children's identity.