Man granted bail after headbutting his brother for smoking joint indoors
The brothers are meant to live apart, one with the father, the other with his mother
A 27-year-old man, who allegedly headbutted his brother for smoking cannabis inside the house, was granted bail on Thursday afternoon.
The man, from Ħamrun, was accused of grievously injuring his brother, assaulting, threatening and insulting him. He pleaded not guilty.
Police inspector Christian Cauchi explained that the Domestic Violence Unit was informed about the case by officers stationed at Mater Dei Hospital who reported that two brothers were involved in a physical fight in Ħamrun on January 7.
The alleged victim, who should be residing with his father in Marsa, moved to his mother’s house in Ħamrun.
He wanted to smoke a joint inside the house, which irritated the accused, sparking a physical altercation.
The accused allegedly head-butted his brother and bit his finger.
Both the mother and their youngest brother reportedly told the police that the alleged victim provoked the accused.
Defence lawyer Yanika Bugeja requested bail, but the prosecution objected unless the alleged victim has an alternative address.
Bugeja explained that the parents - both present in court - had separated, and there was an arrangement that the alleged victim lives with their father while the accused lives with the mother.
The father told the court he was ready to take in the alleged victim, who should be residing with him.
The court pointed out that the brothers were both adults and could not order them where to live.
The mother insisted with the court that she does not want to host the alleged victim, who insists on smoking cannabis inside despite their younger brother’s respiratory issues.
She also said that she does not want the alleged victim to bring his partner to the house, adding that he ignores the house rules and provokes other family members.
The court granted the man bail under supervision, ordering him to sign the bail book every day. He was ordered to pay a €5,000 deposit and an additional €5,000 personal guarantee.
The court remarked that it was evident that the accused had a lot of anger towards the family member as it imposed a temporary treatment order.
A protection order was issued in favour of the alleged victim.
Magistrate Nadia Helena Vella presided. AG lawyer Jennifer Polidano prosecuted alongside police inspector Christian Cauchi. Legal aid lawyer Yanika Bugeja appeared for the accused.