A man who has pending proceedings over the attempted murder of his friend's landlord who he allegedly hit with a hoe in 2011 was back in court today charged with punching his girlfriend in the face. 

The 27-year-old man from Siggiewi, who is not being named to protect the identity of his victim, was charged with injuring his girlfriend who he punched during an argument on Tuesday afternoon. 

The man, who has a history of violence and court cases, was further charged with committing the crime while on bail over the 2011 attempted murder and with breaching the conditions of various suspended sentences handed down over other violence cases. In one case he was convicted of beating up a man with a wooden stick and with defiling a minor. 

Earlier this year, the man was jailed for two years after being found guilty of attempting to run over a person with his car. The case is still awaiting the outcome of the appeal. 

Before Magistrate Gabriella Vella, the man pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him. Given his colourful history, 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.