Man remanded in custody after wife fled to shelter in middle of the night
He suspected the woman was cheating on him with neighbour
A 46-year-old man was remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to using moral violence against his wife, who fled to a shelter in the middle of the night.
Police inspector Christian Cauchi explained that the alleged victim called from a shelter to file a police report, explaining that they had been married and have two minor children.
The woman spoke about an incident at her mother-in-law’s house. She claimed the accused suspected she was cheating on him with a particular neighbour. She also alleged that he has a drug addiction and has to sustain his habit.
The woman fled to a shelter, and when the man realised she was gone, he called her incessantly. The woman told the police she left her children behind, and his arrest was ordered. Once arrested, the man claimed he wanted to self-harm, and he was taken to Mater Dei Hospital. He was granted police bail and was re-arrested on Monday morning.
In court, the man, who is a crane operator, pleaded not guilty to using moral violence against his wife and causing her fear that violence would be used against her. He was also charged with threatening and insulting her, among other charges.
He denied the charges.
Defence lawyer Roberto Montalto requested that a temporary treatment order be imposed on his client, pending proceedings.
A request for bail was made.
The prosecution objected, saying that apart from the woman still having to testify, one of their minor children was present when his father “wrecked the house”.
The police inspector explained that the man’s mother herself had helped the woman out of the house, as one of the incidents took place at her mother-in-law's.
Cauchi added that the treatment order will not be immediately imposed because of the “huge” case load. However, the inspector promised to summon all civilian witnesses at the first sitting.
The defence summoned the man’s mother, who confirmed he could live with her pending proceedings.
The woman told the court that she has a good relationship with her daughter-in-law.
The court denied the bail request, noting that this is a serious case in which the victim and their children had to run away to a shelter.
A protection order was issued in favour of the alleged victim.
Magistrate Nadine Sant Lia presided.
Police inspector Christian Cauchi prosecuted, lawyer Roberto Montalto assisted the accused.