Man, 19, threatens to kill grandmother if mother doesn't send him drug money
Incident happened in front of a six-year-old child
A 19-year-old man pleaded guilty to using moral violence against his mother and grandmother and harassing them to give him money to purchase drugs.
The Ħamrun teenager appeared before the court facing a raft of domestic violence charges.
Police inspector Christian Cauchi explained that on Wednesday, the Paola police station received a call to assist at a domestic violence incident in Tarxien. The police went onsite and found the accused had argued with his elderly grandmother.
The grandmother then filed a report at the Domestic Violence Unit explaining that the man has an acute cannabis addiction and does not work. He instead harasses his family for drug money.
On Wednesday, the man asked his mother, who was at work in Valletta, for money.
He then made his grandmother call his mother via a video call and demand the money. The man’s mother said she would give him the money as long as he went to Valletta to collect it.
The man insisted she should send the money via Revolut, but the woman declined.
He then grabbed a knife and placed it against his grandmother’s neck and threatened to kill her.
The incident happened in front of a six-year-old child.
Cauchi explained that the incident was caught by a security camera inside the house, which is also equipped with audio.
Describing the footage as “chilling”, he said one can hear the swearing and banging, as well as the threats and insults.
Defence lawyer Martina Herrera requested a pre-sentencing report, which was upheld by the court.
Bail was not requested at this stage, and the court ordered that the youth be sent to the Centre of Residential Restorative Services (CoRRS).
Before leaving the courtroom, the man asked whether he could speak to his mother, who was outside the courtroom.
“The important thing is that you show respect and understand the consequences of your actions,” the court said.
“I know what I did, and I know that I am in the wrong,” the man replied.
Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit presided.
Police inspector Christian Cauchi prosecuted.
Lawyer Martina Herrera appeared for the accused, and lawyer Stephanie Caruana appeared parte civile.