A man out on bail for allegedly trying to kill someone with a hoe in 2011 was back in court yesterday, this time charged with punching his girlfriend in the face.

The 27-year-old man from Siġġiewi is not being named to protect the identity of his victim, who was injured during an argument between the couple on Tuesday afternoon.

The man has a history of court cases involving violent behaviour, among them the attempted murder of his friend’s landlord with a hoe.

Yesterday he was also charged with committing a new crime while out on bail and with breaching the conditions of a number of suspended sentences handed down over other cases.

He has in the past also been convicted of beating up a man with a piece of wood and with defiling a minor. And earlier this year he was jailed for two years for trying to run over someone with his car, a conviction he has appealed.

The man yesterday pleaded not guilty to the charges in front of Magistrate Gabriella Vella. Given his criminal record, she refused his request for bail and he was remanded in custody.

Police Inspector Kylie Borg prosecuted while lawyer Marion Camilleri appeared for the man.