Man accused of threatening stepbrother with an axe
Court denies bail request
A 37-year-old man who allegedly threatened his step-brother with an axe was denied bail on arraignment on Wednesday.
The incident happened earlier this week when the accused allegedly brandished an axe during an argument in which their sister was also present.
He was accused before Magistrate Marseanne Farrugia of threatening his stepbrother, misuse of electronic communications and brandishing a weapon.
The argument which led to the threats apparently stemmed from a feud over living arrangements.
Inspector Christian Cauchi, prosecuting, said that when the accused found his stepbrother in his mother's house he told his sister, "If he comes here, he's going to get a blow with this axe".
Defence counsel said the dispute had resulted because of the actions of the brother's girlfriend, including excessive use of the washing machine for her own family's laundry, which had resulted in a €1,500 electricity bill.
Defence counsel denied that their client had brandished the axe, pointing out that it was a tool he used for his work.
A request for bail was denied and the court issued a protection order in favour of the victim and his family.