Man charged with breaking partner’s ankle, threatening to kill her, granted bail
Accused charged with harassing woman for two-and-a-half years
A 39-year-old man who was accused of fracturing his partner’s ankle and threatening to kill her in separate incidents was granted bail on Saturday.
The Paola man, who cannot be named by court order, was arraigned before magistrate Gabriella Vella.
Police inspector Antonello Magri told the court the woman turned up at the Domestic Violence Unit to file a report against her partner on June 27.
The woman alleged they had argued a day earlier at her residence and the man proceeded to break a TV set, a fan and some plates.
He allegedly threatened to kill her, telling her that if he found her with someone else he would do so.
The woman also reported him for a separate incident, which allegedly took place in late March when he had allegedly kicked her and fractured her ankle during another argument. The injury was certified as grievous by a doctor.
The man turned up at the Domestic Violence Unit on Friday afternoon, where he was arrested.
In court, the man pleaded not guilty to grievously injuring the woman during the altercation in March.
He was also accused of damaging the woman’s property and causing her fear that violence would be used against her in the latest incident. He was also charged with causing an animal to suffer.
The man was also charged with causing the woman to fear violence would be used against her and harassing her between January 2023 and June 2025.
The prosecution did not object to lawyer Franco Debono's request for bail as long as the necessary guarantees are in place, including stringent bail conditions and a protection order.
It was also noted that the man confessed to having an alcohol issue he would like to address.
The court granted the man bail against a €500 deposit and a €5,000 personal guarantee, among other conditions.
The court also upheld the prosecution’s request for a protection order.
A three-year treatment order was imposed on the man so that he could address his alcoholism.
Magistrate Gabriella Vella presided. AG lawyer Mauro Abela prosecuted assisted by police inspector Antonello Magri. Lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri appeared for the accused.