A Togolese man has been charged with the brutal murder of a 41-year-old mother of eight who was found dead in a St Julian’s residence last Friday, in what is being treated as a case of domestic violence.

Djibril Ganiou, 33, pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody after not requesting bail.

Caroline Magri, who is known to have had a troubled relationship with the accused, was found dead in her bedroom with numerous stab wounds in her neck and chest.

Though the accused was arrested just hours after the grim discovery, the interrogation had to be suspended on Sunday when he demonstrated signs of mental health problems.

He was admitted to Mount Carmel Hospital and was discharged yesterday morning after being declared fit to face further police questioning. A few hours later, a calm-looking Mr Ganiou appeared before Magistrate Gabriella Vella where he denied all the charges read by Police Inspector Keith Arnaud.

Ironically, it had been thanks to the victim that the accused had been spared from jail last August. She had offered to give him shelter, enabling the court to grant him bail.

The pair had been charged in connection with a fight at a Floriana apartment, where Mr Ganiou used to reside at the time. Since then, it is believed the two had been cohabiting at the same apartment where she was found dead.

The suspect had also been charged over a domestic violence incident, involving Ms Magri who had sought police help after being threatened.

The case dates back to September last year when Mr Ganiou had been forgiven by his partner who had turned up in court with a black eye.

Lawyer Giannella de Marco is defence counsel.