A jilted lover seemingly bent on taking revenge on his former partner was summoned before a magistrate's court today, charged with harassing and threatening the woman, both personally as well as through electronic means.

The court, presided by magistrate Joseph Mifsud, heard how the harassment began when relations between Salvatore La Rocca, 40, born in Italy and currently residing in San Ġwann, and his partner turned sour. The woman, a hairstylist by profession, had offered the accused a regular job at her salon.

Following their breakup, the woman sacked the accused. However, the man demanded €100,000 as payment for having helped to promote his ex-partner's commercial activity.

The court was told that the woman had given the accused €21,000 to the accused but he continued to ask for more.

The man reportedly harassed his victim, followed her around, turned up at her salon, and verbally insulted her in front of clients.

The court heard how the accused hacked his ex-partner's e-mail account, changed her passwords, accessed her salon's Facebook page and sent misleading e-mails on her behalf.

Questioned by the court whether he had a job in Malta, the accused replied in the negative.

The court remarked that once the man no longer had a relationship with the victim he had no right to follow and harass her. Moreover, foreigners who stayed on in Malta simply to cause harm to Maltese society ought not to be allowed to do so, the court remarked.

The court issued a protection order in favour of the victim and imposed a ban upon the publication of her name.

The case continues.

Inspector Trevor Micallef prosecuted. Lawyer Martin Fenech was legal aid. Lawyer Maxilene Pace appeared parte civile.

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