Man granted bail after denying slightly injuring former partner
Marsascala resident Christian Muscat was also accused of threatening her and damaging her car.
A man was granted bail Tuesday after he pleaded not guilty to slightly injuring his former partner.
Marsascala resident Christian Muscat, 26, was also accused of causing the woman to fear that violence would be used against her, threatening her and damaging her car.
Police inspector Antonello Magri told the court the pair had argued on Sunday, during which the woman was slightly injured.
The pair left the woman’s parents' home and drove to the man’s garage. When the woman went in to retrieve some objects, the accused allegedly kicked the door of her car, damaging it.
The woman undertook a risk test, which assessed her as being in “severe danger”.
The police inspector explained that the woman alleged she had been subjected to domestic violence for a long time but that she had never reported the accused to the police.
Defence lawyer Nicholas Mifsud requested bail and summoned Muscat’s mother to testify in the proceedings.
Muscat's mother, who was told she could choose not to testify against her son, said that if granted bail he would stay at her house in Marsascala, adding she has full custody of her grandson, Muscat’s eldest son.
She also informed the court that she needs her son to continue supporting her after she suffered recent health issues, while confirming he works as a mechanic.
The woman said the accused was waiting to join a rehabilitation course for drug addiction.
The defence requested a protection order in favour of the victim, highlighting that the woman had not yet testified.
The prosecution objected to the request but said that if the accused were to be granted bail, the court should consider imposing a temporary supervision order.
Muscat was granted bail against a €2,500 deposit and a €4,000 personal guarantee. He was ordered to sign the bail book, and a curfew was also imposed. A supervision order was also imposed.
A protection order was issued in favour of the alleged victim, with the court clearly instructing Muscat that any communication with the victim about their minor son should take place through their lawyers.
The court upheld the parte civile’s request for a ban on the name of the woman and their minor son.
Magistrate Elaine Rizzo presided over the court.
Lawyer Nicholas Mifsud appeared for the accused.
Lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri appeared parte civile.