A Briton who critically injured his wife after allegedly beating her up on New Year’s Eve told the police he was too drunk to remember what had happened.

Jack William Wright, 66, of Għajnsielem, appeared before Magistrate Anthony Ellul yesterday and was accused of seriously injuring his wife Janet last Friday at their family home. Mr Wright pleaded not guilty. He told the police he did not remember anything of what happened because he was too drunk. The last thing he remembered, he said, was chatting with his wife at the kitchen table, the court heard.

Mrs Wright, 62, suffered facial and head injuries and was admitted to the Gozo General Hospital in critical condition. She was then transferred to Mater Dei Hospital by helicopter for further treatment. Her condition was yesterday described as serious but stable.

The couple relocated to Malta about 14 years ago, the last seven of which they spent in Gozo.

Police sources said investigators suspected some form of weapon was used but had not yet established this as a fact particularly because they had not yet spoken to the victim. Mr Wright was granted bail against a personal guarantee of €10,000. Among the strict conditions imposed, he was ordered not to speak to his wife and to remain at home at night.

A 26-year-old man was charged with domestic violence just a few days after he was stabbed by his girlfriend in their Fgura home on Christmas Eve.

Sean Grima was charged with disfiguring girlfriend Alicia Spiteri on December 17, using violence to hold her against her will and threatening her.