Man in court for fourth time for allegedly harassing former girlfriend

A man who according to the police 'does not want to leave his former girlfriend alone' despite having been jailed for two years and twice been condemned to suspended jail terms, was arraigned in court again today and accused of harassing the woman, puncturing her car tyres and threatening her.

Massimo Tivisini, 41 of Valletta, is pleading not guilty.

Police Inspector Tony Cachia said the accused had gone to the residence of his former girlfriend in order to leave €200 in her post box. The amount was part of a larger sum he owed her.

He had gone to her house despite a protection order prohibiting him from going there.

The inspector said the man could not keep away, and he had seen him in the vicinity of the house on other occasions.

Defence counsel, Malcolm Mifsud, told the court that the girlfriend had been calling his client on his mobile phone. The accused had no other reason to go to her home because he had learnt his lesson after being sent to prison.

Inspector Cachia said that the girlfriend had told the police she only phoned Mr Tivisini in order to ask him to quietly leave the area near her house, or she would call the police.

Mr Tivisini was remanded in custody.