Accused of trying to run over wife with his car in drive in

A man accused of trying to seriously injure his wife has been granted bail even though the two live in the same house and see each other every day.

Magistrate Miriam Hayman granted Raymond Azzopardi, 44, bail against a personal guarantee of €3,000 and told him that if he were to even mention the case to his wife he would be re-arrested.

The two, who have three children, were manoeuvring their cars out of their driveway in Pembroke when the incident took place on Sunday. An argument broke out between them and the man allegedly tried to run his wife over.

Defence lawyer Lorraine Schembri Orland said the charges were exaggerated because it was a small domestic fight, adding that she wanted to contest the arrest because the incident was so trivial.

The magistrate asked Police Inspector Trevor Micallef why were the charges so serious and he insisted that Mr Azzopardi had tried to run-over his wife during the argument.

The accused pleaded not guilty to trying to seriously injure Rosalie Azzopardi, threatening her, swearing in public and driving dangerously.

The prosecuting officer opposed the request for bail given the seriousness of the charges.

After listening to the pleas on bail, the court granted the accused bail against a personal guarantee of €3,000. The magistrate warned the accused that while she understood that he shared the same house with the victim and, thus, it would be fine were they to have a coffee together, the minute they discussed the case he would be re-arrested.

Lawyer Steve Tonna Lowell appeared parte civile for Ms Azzopardi.