A possessive man with an alcohol problem tied his girlfriend and locked her for hours inside her room because of his fixation that she would go off with another man, a magistrate heard today.

Renald Hayman, 31, from Senglea, was jailed for a year after he pleaded guilty to illegally arresting his girlfriend, Maria Vassallo, threatening her and slightly injuring her on and before July 15. He also pleaded guilty to breaching a previous court order.

Magistrate Anthony Vella issued a protection order for Ms Vassallo who, although present in the courtroom, did not speak. He also ordered Mr Hayman to start a rehabilitation programme to kick his alcohol problem.

Police Inspector Frankie Sammut prosecuted, lawyer Lucio Sciriha appeared for the accused and lawyers Franco Debono and Angie Muscat appeared for the victim.

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