An argument over a broken mobile phone led a woman to report the abusive relationship she was in to the police, claiming she had been raped, stalked and threatened by her partner.

The accused, a 39-year old foreign national, was arrested and taken to court on Friday to face 17 charges, including rape, harassment, stalking, unlawful arrest, insults and threats.

He was further charged with monitoring his partner’s use of the internet or other electronic means of communication, interfering with her property, watching or spying upon her and seeking to make unlawful gain through extortion, as well as causing her to fear violence.

The mobile phone incident had reportedly been the final straw which prompted the woman to finally turn to the police, filing a report alleging the abuse.

Upon his arraignment, the man, who cannot be named by court order, denied the charges and was remanded in custody. No request for bail was made.

The court, presided over by duty magistrate Gabriella Vella, issued a temporary protection order in favour of the woman. The magistrate also urged the prosecution to summon the victim, who is to testify, in the first hearing of the case.

Inspector Bernardette Valletta prosecuted. Lawyers Arthur Azzopardi, Rene’ Darmanin and Alfred Abela were defence counsel.

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