Man ordered to stay away from ex-partner and child

A man who stands charged with beating up the mother of his child when she told him she wanted to end the relationship has been ordered to stay away from her and their young daughter or anyone involved in the child’s upbringing.

Roderick Sammut, 26, from Mtarfa, was accused of slightly injuring his girlfriend, Charmaine Abela, with attempting to seriously injure her, stealing two SIM cards belonging to her and threatening her.

The alleged crime took place in Xgħajra on Sunday afternoon when the two were arguing about their relationship.

The court heard how the woman wanted to break it off but he did not let her get out of the car.

Before Magistrate Francesco Depasquale, the man pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him. He was granted bail against a deposit of €500.

Among the bail conditions the magistrate imposed, the man was banned from approaching the woman and their daughter as well as anyone involved in the child’s upbringing, including family members.

Police Inspector Sylvana Briffa prosecuted while lawyers José Herrera and Veronique Dalli appeared for the man.