A man who argued with his partner about the number of cats she owned appeared in court yesterday accused of ramming her car.

Teodosio Baldacchino, 51, from Siġġiewi, denied causing wilful damage. His lawyer, Edward Gatt, deemed the €1,300 damages claimed by Ritienne Borg to be ridiculous arguing that the car, a Fiat Uno, cost €500 at best.

Mr Baldacchino also denied threatening Ms Borg, driving dangerously, breaching the peace and relapsing.

Police Inspector Roderick Agius told the court that the couple had been together for six years and had an on-off relationship, with continuous arguments.

Dr Gatt said that Monday’s argument was over the number of cats owned by Ms Borg, who was living in Mr Baldacchino’s flat. He wanted to end the relationship so that he could take his flat back, he said.

When discussing bail, the prosecuting officer said that the main witness was Ms Borg and he objected to bail being granted because he might contact her.

Dr Gatt said that he could not understand how the police could object to bail when his client was arraigned under arrest in connection with a fight over cats and when the claim for damages was so dubious.

“If this were such a heinous crime, then they would need a hangar to keep the perpetrators of similar offences,” the lawyer said.

Magistrate Neville Camilleri granted Mr Baldacchino bail against a personal guarantee of €10,000 and a deposit of €700 and placed the victim under a protection order.

He warned the accused that he could be jailed if he spoke to the accused.