DJ bit ex-partner's hand during violent argument, court hears

Ryan Spiteri allegedly told ex he would kill her in front of her children

A 46-year-old DJ was granted bail after pleading not guilty to causing his ex-partner to fear that violence would be used against her.

The incident allegedly took place in the presence of the woman’s children.

Ryan Spiteri was arraigned in court on Wednesday afternoon, where he was also accused of driving in a reckless, negligent and dangerous manner. He was also accused of threatening and insulting his former partner and assaulting her.

He was charged with breaching the public peace.

In court, it transpired that on March 16 at around 1pm, the woman and her minor children were with the accused in a car. They argued while the accused was driving.

The man allegedly slapped the woman across the face and bit her right hand, which was curled up in a fist. When the woman tried to call the police, he took away her phone and slammed it against the door of the car.

The woman’s minor daughter tried to intervene, asking Spiteri to stop hitting her mother.

When they drove up near MCAST in Paola, the man allegedly claimed he wanted to hurt them and drove recklessly.

The woman got out of the vehicle and went to a police station. Both minors told the police that the man allegedly said he “would kill her”, adding that “if she wanted to record him, she could”.

On the eve of this incident, the couple had another argument in which the man allegedly threatened to hurt himself.

After denying the charges, the defence requested bail.

He was granted bail against an €800 deposit and a €10,000 personal guarantee.

Magistrate Caroline Farrugia Frendo presided. Police inspector Audrey Micallef prosecuted. Lawyers Franco Debono and Adreana Zammit appeared for the accused. Lawyer Nicholas Mifsud appeared parte civile.

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