Father accused of injuring his sons and threatening wife and daughter

A man with psychological and psychiatric problems was yesterday accused of slightly injuring two of his three children and threatening his wife and daughter on May 5.

The 39-year-old from Birżebbuġa, who cannot be named by court order, denied slightly injuring his sons, aged 12 and 13 and threatening his wife and their 18-year-old daughter.

He also denied relapsing.

Defence lawyer Arthur Azzopardi told Magistrate Miriam Hayman his client was genuinely contesting the charges and he should, therefore, be granted bail. In addition, because of his condition, the accused required help.

Police Inspectors Louise Calleja and Priscilla Caruana told the court the charges were very serious and should be treated as such.

Magistrate Hayman granted the accused bail against a deposit of €2,000 and a personal guarantee of €5,000. She also placed him under a treatment order and issued a protection order for his family.