Man who abused girlfriend had turbulent childhood

A man whose turbulent childhood led him to behave in an unacceptable manner was today jailed for a year-and-a-half suspended for three years.

David Azzopardi, 23, of Senglea was found guilty of illegally arresting his girlfriend, seriously injuring her with a knife, slightly injuring her, threatening to kill her, threatening others and breaching the peace.

He committed these crimes on July 15, 2008 and earlier.

In her judgment, Magistrate Miriam Hayman noted that Mr Azzopardi had an attitude and behaviour and anger management problems caused by his turbulent childhood.

However, he had to understand that his attitude and behaviour were not acceptable in society.

This, the magistrate said, was a case of domestic violence and apart from the suspended sentence she also placed him under supervision order for a year-and-a-half and ordered him to start programmes on domestic violence and anger management with a national agency.