Just three days after having been granted bail, the partner of a policewoman facing charges of domestic violence and rape, was remanded in custody by a criminal court of appeal following an application by the Attorney General.

The 32-year old from Ħamrun had been granted bail by a magistrate's court against a deposit of €1,000, a personal guarantee of €5,000 and other binding conditions including that of signing the bail book on a daily basis.

The alleged perpetrator of the violence, who was to take up residence with his parents in a different locality, had been ordered to steer clear of his former home and estranged partner.

However, in the appeal application it was argued that since the man had previous convictions over similar episodes, there was a serious risk of future violence. Moreover, it was pointed out that the victim of the alleged violence was still to testify.

The court, presided over by Madame Justice Edwina Grima, observed that proceedings were still at a very early stage when the main witness had not testified. Moreover, although no longer residing under one roof, the man had openly declared in court that he knew where his partner had taken up residence.

To ensure the proper administration of justice, the court ordered that bail is revoked and that the alleged wrongdoer is remanded in custody at least pending the deposition of the main witnesses and primarily that of the alleged victim of the domestic violence.

Lawyer Edward Gatt was defence counsel.

Lawyer Arthur Azzopardi appeared parte civile.