A man who allegedly beat up his former partner at her workplace and subsequently resisted police arrest has been remanded in custody by a court after pleading not guilty to the charges against him.

The incident happened on Monday at about 10.30pm when the defendant, 33 from Birkirkara, turned up at a restaurant in Msida and assaulted his partner in front of her work colleagues.

The man, whose name cannot be published by court order to safeguard the identity of his estranged partner and her two children, was arraigned this morning before Magistrate Charmaine Galea.

Throughout proceedings, the accused kept looking straight into the eyes of the victim, who bore signs of violence on her face, including a bludgeoned eye.

The man was charged with causing grievous bodily harm and causing fear to the victim. He was also accused of vilifying and threatening police officers who were called to restrain him.

During submissions on bail, the prosecution led by Police Inspector Lara Butters raised various objections saying that if the court were to release him from arrest, there would be the risk of further violence against the victim.

Lawyer David Farrugia Sacco who appeared for the victim, added that his client was "terrorized" at the prospect of coming into contact with the accused.

Legal aid lawyer Martin Fenech said his client was willing to abide by strict bail conditions, while pointing out that if he would be remanded in custody he would lose his job.

As the court was announcing its decision to refuse bail, the defendant interjected saying that being remanded in custody would not help him to overcome his alcohol addiction.

In her reply Magistrate Charmaine Galea pointed out that she had taken such point into consideration and was thus instructing the prison director to provide adequate treatment. The court also issued a protection order in favour of the victim and her children.