Man ends up in the dock for biting partner day before marriage

A man who planned to get married on Saturday afternoon ended in the dock after being arrested a day earlier while arguing with his partner, after she told him she did not want to go through with the marriage.

Dylan Agius, 29, from Żabbar appeared before magistrate Gabriella Vella accused of causing his partner to fear that violence would be used against her.

He was further accused of causing her slight injuries when he allegedly pushed her to the ground and bit her hand in Żabbar.

He was also charged with breaching a set of bail conditions and recidivism.

Agius pleaded not guilty.

Police inspector Christian Cauchi told the court a man had reported a commotion in the street to the Żabbar police station on Friday at 11.45am.

Officers reported to the scene and found a woman lying on the ground and a man shouting close to her face near an outlet selling pizza.

The prosecutor told the court that the man was “forcing” his partner to get married through a civil ceremony today at 4pm. However, she did not want to go ahead with the marriage due to their relationship not being stable.

The argument began at home when she told him she did not wish to proceed with the marriage. During the argument the man allegedly broke some Kinder eggs belonging to another couple’s children and burnt over €150 in cash.

The woman threatened to file a police report, walked out to the police station and things got heated; Agius allegedly pushed her to the ground and bit her hand.

The victim took a danger assessment test and scored 17, meaning “extreme danger”.

Agius pleaded not guilty.

Legal aid lawyer Silvan Pulis informed the court that the alleged victim was in the courtroom and ready to drop the case against the accused.

Magistrate Gabriella Vella said that in the circumstances, the decision would be deferred to Monday.

The woman took the witness stand and told the court she wanted to drop the case. Replying to a question from the prosecution, the woman said that this was not the first time the couple had ended up in court, with her having dropped charges in two separate preceding cases. The woman also testified that she did not want protection.

Pulis requested bail.

Cauchi objected, arguing that since the court has not yet decided whether it would accept the alleged victim’s request to drop the case, there was a risk the accused would tamper with evidence related to the case.

Pulis countered that the alleged victim has clearly decided that she does not want to testify. He added that if the case proceeded there was a risk the woman would need to be cautioned to avoid incriminating herself.

The lawyer said the man’s father was outside, and Agius could reside there if granted bail.

The father testified, giving his address to the court. The magistrate asked him if he understood that if Agius were to be granted bail, he would need to ensure his son stayed with him.

“If he goes to the alleged victim’s house, you would need to report your son to the police. Do you understand that?”

The man mumbled: “Yes, yes”.

The court denied Agius bail, deeming there were not necessary safeguards in place.

Before Agius was escorted out of the courtroom, the alleged victim tried to speak in court but was not allowed, and the accused burst out crying saying he did nothing wrong.

Agius was remanded in custody.

Magistrate Gabriella Vella presided.

Police inspector Christian Cauchi prosecuted.

Legal aid lawyer Silvan Pulis assisted the accused.