The man who last October allegedly held his estranged wife in an underground chamber beneath Fort Ricasoli, subjecting her to a three-day ordeal, has finally been granted bail.

Roddy Swinton Williams, the 37-year old Seychelles-born husband of Nathalie Williams, has been held behind bars under preventive arrest while criminal proceedings continued in his regard over the episode which took place last October.

Mr Williams faces charges which essentially amount to attempted murder, with his charge sheet accusing him of placing her life in manifest jeopardy, violently engaging in sexual acts with the woman, holding her against her will, harassing her and causing her to fear violence.

Additional charges relate to slight bodily harm upon his wife’s son. He is charged with threatening police officers and breaching the peace.

READ: 'I felt trapped like a mouse'

When on Friday a fresh request for bail was heard before the Criminal Court, presided over by Mr Justice Antonio Mizzi, defence lawyer Franco Debono pointed out that after the same court had appointed a psychiatrist to assess the alleged victim, the latter had been pronounced ‘fit to testify’.

‘The Court appears to have miraculous powers,’ Dr Debono remarked, with some tongue in cheek, pointing out that after the Court’s expert-appointment, the victim had testified via video conference in a five-hour long session.

Moreover, it was observed by the defence that Nathalie Williams had reportedly returned to her workplace two days after returning home from hospital following the alleged ordeal.

After hearing submissions on bail by both parties, the Court upheld the request granting release from arrest against a deposit of €30,000 and a personal guarantee of €50,000, in addition to an obligation to sign the bail book on a daily basis.

Lawyer Marion Camilleri also appeared as defence counsel.