Man denied bail after punching wife in the eye
The woman scored high on the risk assessment and was moved to a shelter
A 36-year-old man, who allegedly punched his wife in the eye, was denied bail on Wednesday afternoon.
The man, who cannot be named by court order since the couple share three minor children, was accused of causing his wife fear that violence would be used against her, assaulting and threatening her. He was further accused of causing her slight injuries.
The Syrian national living in Marsa pleaded not guilty. The defence requested a ban on the publication of the name of the accused and the alleged victim, highlighting that their youngest is less than a month old.
The prosecution did not object, and the court upheld the request. Bail was requested by lawyer Arthur Azzopardi.
Police inspector Omar Zammit objected, highlighting that the woman sustained injuries and there was another incident before the one that led to his arrest.
He also said that the woman scored high on the risk assessment, and she subsequently moved to a shelter.
Azzopardi counter-argued that if his client is granted bail, he would live on Gozo and the man had no issue if the woman returned to their matrimonial home. He added that the man released a statement to the police.
The lawyer also offered to stand as a guarantor for his client, saying he has known him for a long time and would not breach his bail conditions if the court accedes to the request. The court denied the man bail but ordered that the woman be summoned at the first sitting to testify.
Magistrate Noel Bartolo presided. Police inspector Omar Zammit prosecuted. Lawyer Arthur Azzopardi appeared for the accused.