A separated couple who could not even stand each other’s presence in court, amid reports of mistreatment, had strangely continued to cohabit for seven years after they split up, a magistrate heard yesterday.

In addition, the woman had kept on working at her husband’s snack bar but complained she was neither getting paid nor receiving alimony.

Details of this unusual relationship emerged during proceedings against a 33-year-old man from Fgura who pleaded not guilty to threatening, provoking and slightly injuring his estranged wife. The incident occurred last Monday in Valletta.

Magistrate Ian Farrugia said the situation was “not right”. At one point he asked the woman to leave the courtroom as the couple were continually bickering.

Prior to this incident, five other domestic violence reports had been filed, the prosecution said.

The man was granted bail against a personal guarantee of €2,000. The court also issued a general protection order for his wife and their two children.

Lawyer Joe Giglio appeared for the accused, while Inspector Chris Frendo prosecuted.