A man landed behind bars after pleading not guilty to injuring his partner, 20 years his senior, in a violent row that the couple had on Thursday night. 

The 30-year old Cospicua man and his partner were driving home from a party at around 11.30pm when they started arguing.

As words gave way to blows, the woman allegedly suffered slight injuries and took off with the car.

Prosecuting Inspector Robert Vella told court that the woman had come across a police roadblock, telling the officers about the incident with her partner. 

The man was tracked down and arrested, facing arraignment hours later.

He pleaded not guilty to attacking her, causing her slight injuries, insulting and threatening her, causing her to fear violence and also breaching the peace. 

However, when making submissions on bail, the man’s lawyer Charmaine Cherrett, cast a different light upon the incident, saying that the couple had a rather stormy relationship. 

The man had planned to walk out several times, only changing his mind after being convinced by his partner, the lawyer said, pointing out that when he once broke off the relationship, the woman got back in touch with him.

On Thursday the woman allegedly punched the accused who retaliated by pushing her, Dr Cherrett said. 

However, presided over by magistrate Doreen Clarke, the court turned down the request for bail in view of the nature of the charges and the fear of tampering with evidence.

Inspector Robert Vella prosecuted.