‘Threats have no place in a relationship’ court says as charges are dropped
Woman tells magistrate she forgives her husband, asks for case to be closed
A 32-year-old Siġġiewi man was let off the hook after the court accepted his wife’s request to drop the charges.
The man, who cannot be named by court order, was accused of causing his wife fear that violence would be used against her, misusing electronic equipment, threatening and insulting her.
He denied the charges.
The alleged victim took the witness stand and informed the court she would like to forgive him. The woman explained that they had been married for nine years preceded by a five-year relationship and they share a son together.
The woman said the issue stemmed from a trip abroad, but he had never threatened her before December 27. While details of what led to the argument were scant it is understood that he wanted her to go abroad with him.
The woman explained that following his arrest, the man was taken to Mater Dei Hospital and later referred to Mount Carmel Hospital. Before he was sent to Mount Carmel Hospital, the woman was on her way to pick him up and bring him home.
She said the threats could have been a result of anger because her husband had got it into his mind that he wanted to go abroad.
After the woman’s testimony, police inspector Sherona Buhagiar explained that the woman was given a panic button following the report. She added that the woman did not score high in the risk assessment.
The court upheld the woman’s request.
Addressing the woman, Magistrate Elaine Rizzo said “there will always be arguments in a relationship but there should never be threats.”
Turning to the man, the court pointed out “no one is coerced to go on a trip abroad. Threats have no place in a relationship.”
The proceedings were declared extinguished by the court.
Magistrate Elaine Rizzo presided.
Police inspector Sherona Buhagiar prosecuted, legal aid lawyer Thomas Barbara Sant assisted the accused.