A 38-year-old man from Birkirkara today denied in court that he had threatened his wife with violence.

He also denied driving his BMW dangerously.

Informed sources said the incident happened yesterday afternoon when the woman and her children were at the house of a family friend. The accused went to the house and an argument developed as he complained that he did not like her being there. The man then chased the woman down the street. The police went to the scene and found a knife in his possession.

During the bail proceedings, Police Inspector Robert Vella said that the prosecution was not objecting to bail, in the hope that the situation could be sorted out.

Defence lawyer Franco Debono said this was a misunderstanding and his client's intention was good as he did not want his family around certain people.

Magistrate Marsann Farrugia told the accused that she was issuing a protection order in favour of his wife and he was not to speak to her.

At this point the wife said that she did not want her husband speaking to the children either.

The magistrate ordered that the accused may not speak to his wife or children until judgement was handed down. Bail was granted against a guarantee of €5,000.