A husband “obsessed with trying to get his wife to listen to him” was yesterday charged with smashing the door of a shelter for abused women.

Joseph Dimech, 44, of Birkirkara, who is in a “vulnerable mental state”, had an argument with his wife on Friday evening, but never physically hit her, defence lawyer Kenneth Grima said.

He said his client’s wife had moved out of their house because he was not taking his medication and this was her sixth or seventh stint at the shelter Dar Merħba Bik.

Police Inspector Elton Taliana said the accused was obsessed with his wife and had gone to speak to her. After being refused entry he smashed the door. When police arrived he violently resisted arrest and assaulted three police officers.

Dr Grima said his client’s only obsession was to get his wife to listen to him. Mr Dimech denied damaging the door, attacking police, violently resisting arrest, breaching the peace and relapsing.

Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit granted him bail against a €200 deposit and personal guarantee of €5,000.

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