A 42-year-old man begged the court to send him to prison instead of Mount Carmel Hospital after he was arraigned in court with threatening his wife.

The man, who cannot be named by court order, was charged with harassing and threatening his wife and breaching bail and a protection order. It is understood that he had declared that he had nothing left in life but to kill his wife.

Lawyer Franco Galea argued that the accused was "unfit to stand trial", adding that he had spent time at Mount Carmel Hospital.

Magistrate Joe Mifsud appointed a psychiatrist to examine his mental health condition to determine whether he was in a position to answer to the charges brought before him.

Prosecuting officer John Spiteri objected to the accused being granted bail, arguing that it was best for him not to be treated from within the community.

Dr Galea and lawyer Michael Sciriha requested bail, arguing that in the past their client had been treated in a general ward and not at the hospital's forensic unit.

Magistrate Mifsud pointed out that by being kept in Mount Carmel Hospital, the accused would still receive the treatment he needed and recommended a provisional treatment order.

The accused was seen pacing and becoming increasingly more agitated at every mention of Mount Carmel Hospital.

Dr Sciriha pointed out that the director of prisons was not obliged to take up the court's recommendation, at which point Magistrate Mifsud said that he will be ordering such a treatment to take place, given the very particular circumstances of the case.

"I must protect the man's life, his family and society at large. I want this man alive - I don't want to find him dead.

"Ultimately, I must answer to God. But I can only work with the tools provided to me."

Upon being told he would be sent to Mount Carmel Hospital, the man burst into tears and begged the court to send him to prison instead.

He was comforted by his lawyers as he was slowly led out of the courtroom.

Lawyer Lara Dimitrijevic appeared parte civile for the victim.