A possessive man with an alcohol problem tied up his girlfriend and locked her inside her room for hours fearing she would go with another man, a magistrate heard yesterday.

Renald Hayman, 31, from Senglea, was jailed for a year after he pleaded guilty to illegally holding his girlfriend, Maria Vassallo, threatening and slightly injuring her. He also admitted attempting to cause her serious injuries on July 15 and to breaching the conditions of a previous release.

Magistrate Anthony Vella heard that Mr Hayman was overly possessive of Ms Vassallo and obsessed she would betray him with another man if he allowed her out on her own. When he could not join her, or needed to go out, he would tie her up until his return. He would also lock her up.

On July 15, she left without his knowledge and when he saw her at Cospicua Waterfront he assaulted her, grabbing her by the neck, the court heard.

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

Police Inspector Frankie Sammut prosecuted. Lawyer Lucio Sciriha appeared for the accused. Lawyers Franco Debono and Angie Muscat appeared for Ms Vassallo.

In November 2012, Mr Hayman was accused of assaulting a former partner. That case is pending.