Chef handed suspended sentence after admitting to harassing his wife
Woman said cameras installed at home made her uncomfortable
A 48-year-old chef has been handed a nine-month jail term, suspended for one year, after admitting to harassing his wife, who told police she felt suffocated in the relationship and that her husband was trying to exert absolute control over her.
Frankie Bezzina pleaded guilty when he was arraigned before Magistrate Monica Vella on Friday.
He was charged with harassing his wife, causing her to fear that violence would be used against her, and insulting or threatening her, with the offences aggravated because they were committed against his spouse and repeatedly.
He was also charged with making threats and improper use of an electronic communications network or device, as well as carrying a knife or other pointed instrument without a police permit.
Prosecutors said the offences took place on May 28 and in the preceding weeks and months at the couple's residence in Marsaskala and elsewhere.
The court heard that the man was arrested after his wife filed a police report. She told police she felt suffocated in the relationship, that cameras installed at home made her uncomfortable, that her husband checked her mobile phone and that he was trying to exert absolute control over her.
A risk assessment carried out with the woman resulted in a score of 21 and was considered severe.
Police were called on site after the assessment was carried out. A declaration showing that she had refused shelter was among the documents exhibited in court.
Inspector Carlos Cordina told the court that the accused had cooperated with the police, adding that certain details of the case were too personal to reveal in open court.
Defence lawyer Joe Giglio noted that there was no allegation that his client had ever used physical violence against his wife. The couple had been together for 25 years and have children, he said, describing them as a family going through a bad patch that had escalated badly. Both spouses work, with the accused holding a good and stable job.
The lawyer said several meetings had been held to figure out how the relationship could work. He also highlighted his client's early admission and clean criminal record.
The court condemned Bezzina to nine months' imprisonment, suspended for one year. It also placed him under a supervision order, with a probation officer tasked with ensuring his needs are addressed, and ordered him to keep the peace with his wife
Inspector Carlos Cordina prosecuted. Lawyers Joe Giglio and Mattea Giglio appeared for Bezzina.