A court has ordered the eviction of a 54-year-old man from his elderly mother's house after finding that he has been beating her up following frequent bouts of drinking. The woman had been forced to live in a garage out of fear.

The 89-year-old woman asked the court to order her younger son to vacate the property, which is rented in her name. The woman's other son, who is 59, also lives with her.

The elder son corroborated his mother's statement that his abusive brother caused a lot of trouble as he spiralled out of control when intoxicated.

On April 1, he beat her up, as a result of which she was admitted into hospital for treatment. When she was released 24 days later, her younger son was still residing at her house. Out of fear, she ended up living in a garage in Paola.

The son had no legal right to live at her rented property and only did so thanks to her goodwill.

The court deemed the situation as intolerable and abusive and condemned the fact that instead of respecting his mother, he exerted violence.

Madam Justice Lorraine Schembri Orland ordered the 54-year-old to vacate his mother's house in 20 days and to cover the legal expenses.