A 35-year-old barman today denied holding his girlfriend of four months against her will, threatening her and slightly injuring her.

Magistrate Josette Demicoli heard how the man held his partner against her will on Saturday evening at his apartment in Valletta.

He pleaded not guilty to charges of illegally detaining the woman, threatening to kill her and causing the woman slight injury. He is also accused of causing her to fear that violence would be used against her or her family, damaging her mobile phone and relapsing.

The prosecution did not object to a request for bail made by defence lawyers Mario Mifsud and Alfred Abela. However, Police Inspector Jeffrey Scicluna requested that a protection order be issued in favour of the victim and her family.

He also asked the court to order a ban on the publication of the name of the victim, who they said had been heavily traumatised by the events. The defence team argued that since their client had been in a relationship with the woman for four months, if his name were to be published, the woman would be identified.

Magistrate Josette Demicoli granted the man bail against a deposit of €1,500 and a €6,000 personal guarantee. The court also issued a protection order for the victim and her entire family and banned the publication of any names.