Man threatened his ex that he would burn down her apartment, court told

A 33-year-old Paola man who allegedly threatened to burn down his ex-girlfriend’s apartment if she did not return his things was taken to court on Wednesday.

Melvin Debono, known as il-Quws, was accused of threatening and insulting his ex-girlfriend and causing her to fear violence. He was further charged with breaching six sets of bail conditions, a probation order and committing a crime during the operative period of a suspended sentence.

He pleaded not guilty.

The court heard that the woman reported the accused on December 15, telling the police that he had repeatedly threatened that he would set her house on fire. He also sent her insulting messages while demanding the return of his things.

In a second report to the police, the woman said that her ex turned up outside her grandmother’s house where she is currently staying, repeating his threat.

The defence requested bail, which was granted against a €1,000 deposit and a €5,000 personal guarantee. The accused was ordered to sign the bail book daily and a curfew was also imposed.

Magistrate Tanya Sammut presided. Police inspector Sherona Buhagiar prosecuted. Lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri appeared for the accused.

Man admits sending threatening messages

In a separate case, a 48-year-old Tarxien man admitted to sending threatening messages and voice notes to his former partner and was placed under a probation order. 

Police inspector Omar Zammit explained that the woman filed a report at the Domestic Violence Unit on December 14 saying that she had received messages and voice messages in which the man threatened her. She undertook a risk assessment and scored high.

The man was arrested on Tuesday and fully cooperated fully with the police.

In court, he was accused of causing the woman fear that violence would be used against her, threatening and insulting her. He was also accused of threatening her through the use of electronic equipment and assaulting her.

He pleaded guilty.

In his submissions on punishment, Zammit said explained that the accused found out some things which he should not have, and was “very angry”.  The prosecution felt that an effective prison sentence was not suitable in this case, but the man needed help to accept the new reality.

Defence lawyer Franklin Calleja submitted that this was a one-off and the man had no previous convictions for domestic violence. He explained that he had discovered something similar in the past, and forgiven the woman, but now he found out that the same thing happened again.

“This was the straw that broke the camel’s back,” Calleja said.

The court placed the accused under a three-year probation order after considering the circumstances of the case. He was also fined €500 over misuse of electronic equipment.

A restraining order was issued in favour of the woman. A three-year treatment order was imposed on the accused so that he can deal with his anger management issues.

Magistrate Tanya Sammut presided. Police inspector Omar Zammit prosecuted.

Lawyer Franklin Calleja assisted the accused.