A Tunisian man who was acquitted of trying to kill his former boss has been charged with threatening his wife with a knife.

The construction worker, 59, of Qormi, pleaded not guilty to holding his wife against her will on August 25 at around 8.30pm, threatening her on Monday at around 11pm, slightly injuring her, illegal possession of a knife and relapsing.

The couple started fighting over how he had been treating their children, sources close to the case said. Magistrate Edwina Grima granted him bail against a personal guarantee of €10,000 and ordered him not to speak to his wife or contact her in any way.

Four years ago, a trial jury acquitted the accused of attempted murder but found him guilty of attempted serious harm to foreman Joseph Magro, at a site in Msida in May 2005.

He claimed he was underpaid for his work, receiving €500 from the €4,600 he was owed. In a police statement, he admitted wanting to kill Mr Magro, who suffered only light cuts, bruises and scrapes.

Lawyer Lucio Sciriha appeared for the accused.

The case continues.