A man who pleaded guilty to smashing several items at his ex-girlfriend's apartment in a fit of rage in July 2013 was today placed on probation for three years.

Marco Vassallo, 42, from Vittoriosa, pleaded guilty to threatening the woman, causing her to fear that violence would be used against her, misusing communications equipment and breaching the conditions of a probation order handed down in February that year.

Magistrate Josette Demicoli said that given the circumstances of the case and given that the man needed help to ensure that such incidents do not happen again, she was imposing a probation order.

She also took into consideration the fact that he had paid for the all the damage he had caused.

She also issued a protection order for the woman and ordered Mr Vassallo not to speak to her or harass her in any way, against a €1,000 fine in default.

Police Inspector Trevor Micallef prosecuted while lawyer Carm Mifsud Bonnici was defence counsel.

Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri appeared for the woman.