A 63-year-old man was charged today with threatening his wife and causing her to fear him.

The man pleaded not guilty to threatening, insulting and slightly injuring his wife and breaching the peace in Pembroke on Sunday.

Police Inspector Carol Fabri said that the problems between the man and his wife were recurring and the man needed help to overcome his drinking problem.

The man said he was willing to move out of the house until the case was settled.

Magistrate Audrey Demicoli granted him bail on condition he does not go anywhere near Pembroke or his wife. He was bound by a personal guarantee of €2,000.

The accused was meant to be represented by his lawyer, Toni Abela, who however did not turn up by 1.30pm despite the fact that, by 9am he had been asked to be in court by midday.

The magistrate noted that Dr Abela then informed the court that he had been held up and could not make it to court. As a result his client was represented by legal aid lawyer Anthony Cutajar.

The magistrate ordered that the Justice Ministry and the Commission for the Administration of Justice be informed about this.