A policewoman’s husband who was arraigned today over charges of domestic abuse and marital rape, was granted bail under strict orders to steer away from her and from their former home. 

The 32-year old from Hamrun was taken to court under arrest to face charges of rape and attempted violent indecent assault. He was also charged with having held his partner against her will and with having inflicted slight injuries upon her whilst forcing her to submit to his sexual demands.

Through this alleged wrongdoing, the man caused his partner to fear such violence that, after months of silent suffering, she finally summoned up the courage to speak up and move out of the family home.

The prosecution explained how the victim had long been toying with the idea of ending her relationship with the accused but when it came to report the abuse, she had hesitated owing to her police work. Although colleagues had long been urging her to forget the man and to report the alleged violence, the woman felt uncomfortable filing a report.

Following the most recent episode of violence, the victim had confided with one of her superiors who advised her to file a report with the Vice Squad. Acting on the advice, the woman finally brought the matter to light.

The prosecution informed the court that following this report, they had learnt that the relationship between the couple had long been going through troubled waters. Investigations led to the issue of an arrest warrant and the ultimate arraignment of the man who denied the charges.

In the course of submissions on bail, the prosecution raised strong objections, pointing out that this was not only a case of domestic violence but also of rape. The victim was allegedly terrified of her partner who had even smashed her mobile phones and her car windscreen, the court was told.

In the past the man had also run into trouble over violent incidents with his former partners. In this case, the prosecution alleged that it had seen photos of the victim’s bruised face. The man had allegedly twice raped the woman, once forcing her at knifepoint and on another occasion threatening to beat her if she resisted his demands.

However, the man's defence counsel countered that the situation was rather ‘tragi-comical’ since only a few days ago the alleged victim had been posting pictures of herself with her partner on Facebook which appeared to indicate that all was well between the two.

Whenever, the victim happened to be a police officer, the prosecution appeared to show greater ‘zeal’, the defence lawyer remarked. This however quickly prompted the prosecuting officer to retort that he treated all cases “with zeal” further pointing out that such cases of domestic violence needed to be checked.

“This is how it all starts. First there’s violence, then rape and finally homicide,” the inspector said, causing the defence to declare that such comments were intended to influence the court.

As for the victim’s injuries, the lawyer pointed out that these too were to be considered in context. During one of the couple's arguments, the woman had allegedly flung an ash-tray at her partner who, instead of filing a police report, had lashed out at her in retaliation. This was how the woman reportedly ended up with a black eye, the lawyer explained.

The court, presided over by Magistrate Gabriella Vella, upheld the request for bail against a deposit of €1,000 and a personal guarantee of €5,000. Other conditions involved signing the bail book on a daily basis and observing a curfew between 8.30pm and 7.30am. The court further issued a Protection Order in favour of the alleged victim and strongly warned the man not to lay foot inside the matrimonial home.

Although the man was to take up residence with his parents, he would have to be accompanied by the police if he needed to retrieve his personal belongings from the place he shared with his partner.

To avoid further trouble between the couple, the court further recommended that the victim should also refrain from returning to the matrimonial home which appeared to have been a bone of contention ever since the woman had decided to break off her relationship with the accused.

“Don't make matters worse!” were the court’s final words of advice.

Inspector Joseph Busuttil prosecuted. Lawyer Edward Gatt was defence counsel.
Lawyer Arthur Azzopardi appeared parte civile.

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