Probation order for man who threatened to kill ex if she dated someone else
Guilty plea for harassing former partner and vowing he would 'beat her up'
A 30-year-old Paola man was handed a probation order after pleading guilty to harassing his former partner and threatening to kill her if she dated someone else.
The woman went to the domestic violence unit to report the man with whom she was in a relationship. The woman reportedly told the police that there were issues and ongoing court cases between them. She also said that he went to look for her at work.
While filing the report the woman said she received phone calls and messages over WhatsApp from her ex, in which he begged for forgiveness and told her that he was sorry for what had happened.
On August 5, as the woman was returning home, she found the man waiting for her. The woman managed to get into the house, however the accused proceeded to knock on her door. The woman asked him to leave, and he threatened her saying “come down or I will beat you up” [Inżel għax se nifqgħek].
The woman threatened to call the police. He started insulting her and warned her: "If I catch you with someone else I will kill you and him.”
In court, the man pleaded guilty to causing his ex-partner to fear that violence would be used against her, threatening and insulting the woman, as well as misuse of electronic equipment.
Police inspector Antonello Magri told the court that in view of the early guilty plea and the man’s full cooperation, as well as his clean criminal record, he should be handed a probation order. He also requested a restraining order in favour of the victim.
Defence lawyer Jason Grima said that the estranged couple had a court sitting before another court on July 29 when they were still together and had even gone on holiday together.
In the separate proceedings, there was an understanding that the woman would forgive him and did not turn up to the proceedings leading to the man’s acquittal.
However, his client realised that the woman had a relationship with another person, and wanted closure, the lawyer argued, alleging that the woman “did not want to give an explanation as to why she was seeing someone else.”
He also explained that his client was being followed by a psychiatrist.
The court took into consideration the submissions and the fact that the man is employed and the low risk assessment.
He was found guilty by his own admission and handed a two-year probation order. A two-year treatment order was imposed to address his drug addiction and mental health issues. The man was also fined €100.
The court issued a two-year restraining order.
A ban on the publication of the names was issued by the court.
Magistrate Nadine Sant Lia presided over the arraignment.
Police inspector Antonello Magri prosecuted.
Lawyer Jason Grima appeared for the accused.