Stalker handed probation after sticking letters to ex-girlfriend's car mirrors
Man admitted to harassment charges after former lover blocked him on social media
A man who left letters stuck to the mirrors of his ex-girlfriend’s car was handed a probation order on Thursday afternoon after admitting to stalking her.
The 44-year old man from Mtarfa was reported by his ex-girlfriend to the Domestic Violence Unit on August. The pair had been together for six months and the woman ended the relationship some three months ago.
After informing him she no longer wanted to be with him, the accused tried getting in touch with her through social media. The woman blocked him.
She then began finding letters stuck to her vehicle. These letters were also stuck to the vehicle when she parked the car further away from her house. He also left flowers outside the woman's house. The woman felt she was being harassed after he left photographs including one of her car which was presented in court.
In his statement to the police the man said he left the letters in the hope she would speak to him.
Legal aid lawyer Noray Galea asked the court to approach the bench to discuss the man’s health issues out of earshot.
After the sitting resumed, the man pleaded guilty to stalking and harassing his former girlfriend.
During submissions on punishment, the defence highlighted that the man needs treatment and needs to understand that their relationship is over.
The court took into consideration that the woman scored very low on the risk assessment, and given the circumstances of the case, handed the man a three-year probation order.
It also imposed a three-year treatment order and a three-year restraining order in favour of the woman.
Magistrate Nadine Sant Lia presided.
Police inspector Sherona Buhagiar prosecuted.
Legal aid lawyer Noray Galea assisted the accused.