A man who turned up at the home of his sister’s ex-boyfriend, brandishing a firearm and causing a disturbance, was handed a suspended sentence and placed under a restraining order by a court on Thursday.

Redeemer Cauchi, a 21 of Marsa, pleaded guilty to carrying a firearm at the time of his arrest, threatening his sister’s ex and other members of his family and breaching the peace.

The police were called in when the accused turned up outside the Tarxien residence, kicking up a disturbance and bearing a firearm which later proved not to have been loaded.

Magistrate Josette Demicoli condemned Mr Cauchi to a 6-month jail term suspended for 18 months.

The court also ordered the confiscation of the weapon, whilst placing the accused under a restraining order.

Inspector Paul Camilleri prosecuted.

Lawyers Lennox Vella and Marisa Mifsud were defence counsel.

Legal procurator Joeline Pace Ciscaldi and lawyer Roberto Montalto appeared parte civile.