A magistrate yesterday ordered the continued arrest of a man who allegedly punched his girlfriend, breaking her nose and teeth, and who injured his two-year-old son when he tried snatching him from her.

Both mother and son were hospitalised and kept for observation, the court heard, with the woman having suffered a broken nose and several broken teeth.

Inspector Daryl Borg told Magistrate Giovanni Grixti that the incident happened during a family argument which escalated when 29-year-old Jonathan Sciberras, from Birkirkara, went on a rampage at his girlfriend’s Floriana home, causing more than €2,500 in damage.

The inspector alleged that Mr Sciberras had punched his girlfriend in the face before attempting to snatch the child, injuring him in the process.

Mr Sciberras pleaded not guilty to charges of grievous bodily harm and voluntary damage, carrying a sharp and pointed instrument without a police permit, breaching the peace and relapsing.

The defence requested bail but the prosecution objected to the request, since the witnesses still had to testify.

Magistrate Grixti declined the request and Mr Sciberras was remanded in custody.

Lawyers Franco Debono, Marion Camilleri and Angie Muscat appeared for the man.

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