A court heard claims today that Xghajra deputy mayor Neil Attard had threatened his former partner that he would “burn her daughter alive”.  

The woman, whose name cannot be published by court order, this morning took the stand in a case against Mr Attard who is accused of threatening and harassing her.

Prior to this case the accused had been a Labour Party councillor, but was subsequently expelled and is now an independent councillor.  

During today’s sitting, his former partner testified that three years ago she had started her relationship with Mr Attard.

Lawyer Jason Azzopardi who is appearing as parte civile for the victim told the court that the accused would send her thousands of text messages, including threats.

The woman said that on one such occasion, her estranged partner had threatened to burn her daughter alive.

She added that in May of last year she had met the accused on his father’s boat which was berthed in Marsaxlokk, to try and end the relationship.

When she refused to enter the cabin, the accused came out brandishing a bread knife and threatened her. She left the boat and headed for the car but the accused snatched her keys, and only returned them when a passer-by saw her crying.

Meanwhile, Dr Azzopardi presented to the court several recordings, which Magistrate Antonio Micallef Trigona ordered to be transcribed by the next sitting set for March 10.

Lawyer David Gatt is defence counsel.