'Obsessed' man denies harassing his former partner
The man allegedly attempted various methods to reach his ex-girlfriend, the court heard
A 44-year-old man has been accused of harassing his former partner in defiance of a protection order.
Police inspector Audrey Micallef explained that the woman, a mother to two minors, had filed a report on March 11, telling police she had received a series of messages, phone calls, and voice messages from her former partner.
She also told the officers that when her ex-partner did not manage to communicate with her, he tried by sending several friend requests and through third parties, including asking his own brother.
Micallef added that in February, the man was found guilty of domestic violence charges against the same woman and was handed a two-year jail term suspended for four years. A three-year restraining order was issued in favour of the woman, among other measures.
Police did not find the accused living at the address registered on their system, but were informed by the woman that he was living with a friend in Marsascala. The inspector called the man, who then attended the police headquarters.
A request for bail was made by defence lawyer Matthew Xuereb.
The police inspector objected, arguing there was a real fear he would not abide by the court-imposed conditions, given that a restraining order had recently been issued.
Xuereb countered by reading out in court some of the messages the accused had sent the woman: “Sorry for hurting you. Let the children know that I love them and miss them.”
Another message read: “Sorry for bothering you, but I am depressed”, while another read, “I know, I bothered you. Will not message anymore.”
The defence lawyer said his client was “not violent, nor did he threaten her [the alleged victim]. He asked about his children,” Xuereb said, as he made reference to the proposed reform to the family court.
Parte civile lawyer Ludvic Caruana also objected, saying that they had warned him repeatedly during mediation sessions to cease and desist from sending the woman any messages.
Micallef also highlighted that the messages read out in court did not represent the full extent of the correspondence, with the rest of the messages indicating the man is “obsessed” with the woman and could not get over their relationship ending.
The man was also accused of using electronic devices to threaten her and breaching a restraining order issued on February 5.
The court, after hearing the submissions, denied the man bail, and he was remanded in custody.
Magistrate Elaine Rizzo presided.
Police inspector Audrey Micallef prosecuted.
Lawyers Matthew Xuereb and Sarah Ciliberti assisted the accused.