Accused of kicking pregnant girlfriend

A 20-year-old man was yesterday charged with kicking his pregnant girlfriend in the belly and causing an early birth in what was termed as a "very unfortunate incident".

Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani Grima heard the San Gwann man plead not guilty to seriously injuring his girlfriend during a fight in Marsascala on Sunday at about 5.30 p.m.

Defence counsel Joseph Giglio noted that this had been an unfortunate incident as, in a statement, his client had explained that he never planned to get rid of the baby.

The accused had told the police the incident took place when he lost control of himself following a series of arguments. He said he knew what the consequences of hitting a pregnant woman were but did not know what came over him at the time when he was angry. He also said he thought he had kicked her in the chest.

Dr Giglio asked for bail and Police Inspector Alfred Mallia, prosecuting, did not object but suggested that the accused was to be kept away from the woman and her family until things cooled down.

At this stage the magistrate denied the request for bail in light of the fear that the accused might repeat the same offence or tamper with evidence.