Mother drops domestic violence charges against her 'over-protective' son
Woman tells court she 'rushed' after her son was arrested for grievously injuring her
A mother told the court on Friday she wanted to withdraw a criminal complaint against her 43-year old son who was arrested on domestic violence charges against her.
The man, a maintenance worker from Attard, was arrested after his mother had filed a report at the Domestic Violence Unit following a series of threats.
Prosecuting inspector Omar Zammit told the court that on July 30, the man had sent his mother messages telling her he did not want her to go out and waited for her on the corner.
When she left the house, she was picked up by the Birkirkara district police and accompanied to the Domestic Violence Unit.
The woman also reported a separated incident which had happened in 2023 when her son had allegedly fractured her nose. At the time she had refused to file a police report.
The man pleaded not guilty to causing grievous injuries to his mother in April 2023, as well as causing her fear that violence would be used against her and insulting her over the past week. He was also charged with recidivism.
Lawyer Yanica Barbara Sant assisting the injured party informed the court that her client wanted to drop the charges, explaining the woman felt as though she had rushed things while thanking the police for their timely assistance.
The lawyer said that the woman told her the 2023 incident was an “unfortunate” incident in which her son did not want to hit her.
She also explained that the man had successfully overcome his drug addiction, gone through rehab and is now in a stable job. If he goes to prison, the man would also lose his job.
The lawyer insisted that her client wanted her son to understand that he is not the husband but her child and he could no longer be so protective of her, because he had crossed the line.
The prosecuting inspector pointed out the charge relating to grievous bodily harm was issued based on what the woman said, which was that he had intentionally hit her.
Lawyer David Gatt, who assisted the accused, showed the medicine the man has to take due to his health conditions.
The woman took the stand and confirmed she was requesting the court to stop the proceedings out of her own free will and that she understood the consequences of such a request.
The court declared that the proceedings were exhausted.
Magistrate Marseann Farrugia presided.
AG lawyer Manuel Grech prosecuted assisted by police inspector Omar Zammit. Lawyer David Gatt assisted the accused. Lawyer Yanica Barbara Sant appeared for the woman.