A man who allegedly punched his estranged partner in an argument over visitation rights of their young son was granted bail but warned he would be arrested if he spoke to her.

James Farrugia, 26, of Mellieħa punched the woman in the face last Friday after he allegedly took his son home after the time stipulated by the boy’s mother, sparking the argument, sources close to the case said.

During the arraignment yesterday, lawyer Joanne Vella Cuschieri said the couple had only ended their relationship around a month ago and were sorting their lives out.

She requested bail but Police Inspector Sandra Zammit objected on the grounds that they live very close to one another and she feared a repeat performance.

Mr Farrugia said he had no reason to speak to his former partner, and Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit warned him that doing so would land him behind bars.

The magistrate granted him bail against a deposit of €800 and a personal guarantee €5,000 and insisted that if he were to breach any conditions he would be arrested.

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