'I'll put you in a wheelchair': man threatens wife over burnt food
Neil Schembri also allegedly used intimate photos of his victim to threaten her
A man with a history of allegations of violence threatened to put his partner in a wheelchair after she told him he had burned food whilst cooking.
Neil Schembri, 35, from Żabbar admitted a series of charges including threats, causing his partner to fear violence, causing her slight injuries and committing a crime while serving a suspended sentence. He was granted bail pending a final judgment.
Schembri has faced similar allegations in court regarding former partners.
The court heard that the incident unfolded in the early hours of Tuesday, June 23. At around 5am, the victim filed a police report about the argument that had taken place earlier while the couple was cooking at Schembri's grandmother's house.
After the victim complained about burnt food, Schembri insulted her. He threatened that she would "end up in a wheelchair" and said he "really hopes she gets sick with cancer".
She told police Schembri had intimate photos of her on his mobile phone and was using them to threaten her.
Police deemed her to be in extreme danger following a score of 25 in a risk assessment exercise.
When police moved to arrest Schembri at his home, he cooperated by handing over a plastic gun kept in his safe. The defence requested a pre-sentencing report before the final judgment is delivered, alongside a request for bail.
Magistrate Jean Paul Grech granted bail on the condition that Schembri signs the bail book twice a week and a personal guarantee of €4,000. Additionally, the court issued a protection order to safeguard the victim.
The prosecution was led by Inspector Christian Cauchi. Lawyers Franco Debono, Marion Camilleri and Fleur Abela represented the accused.