A 24-year-old, who allegedly punched his girlfriend in the face after an argument and then threatened her if she reported him, has been granted bail and warned not to contact her.

Bjorn Grima is pleading not guilty to punching Joseanne Farrugia, 26, in the face on June 28 at about midnight.

The two had been living together for a year.

The couple got into an argument but when Mr Grima's former girlfriend was mentioned it got out of hand and he allegedly punched her and bruised her nose.

He also denied that he had threatened her to prevent her from reporting the incident.

Magistrate Edwina Grima handed down a protection order for Ms Farrugia and granted the accused bail against a deposit of €2,000 and a personal guarantee of €5,000.

She also warned Mr Grima that if he were to communicate with Ms Farrugia in any way, he would be re-arrested and would lose €7,000, and be prosecuted for breaching the bail conditions.

Lawyers Joseph Giglio and Gianella Caruana Curran appeared for the accused.

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