Woman claims she was beaten up by her partner while abroad
The incident took place in Slovakia and the accused was arrested on his return to Malta
A 35-year-old man was granted bail on Monday after pleading not guilty to assaulting and slightly injuring his girlfriend while they were abroad on holiday.
Police inspector Sherona Buhagiar told the court that the alleged victim filed a police report in Bratislava, Slovakia, alleging that the accused had assaulted her while on holiday. The woman returned to Malta and was given medical assistance.
In her police report, she explained that an argument broke out between her and her partner on Thursday after the latter’s phone began ringing and she told him about it. He allegedly became aggressive, grabbed her by the hair and dragged her before assaulting her. He then left the residence, only to return some time later when they continued arguing.
At about 11:30pm he allegedly hit her on the head before grabbing a knife and threatening her.
The Siġġiewi man, who cannot be named by court order, was arrested at Malta airport on his return.
Buhagiar added that the woman had also reported a separate incident that took place in May in which she alleged he had hit her with his car. She provided photos to the police purportedly showing the injuries she had sustained then.
It also transpired that she did not score high on the risk assessment.
The accused exercised his right to silence over the August incident, however, when confronted on the May incident, he showed police a recent WhatsApp exchange including the same photos and in which the woman told him not to squeeze her legs because she was getting bruises. No charges were issued in connection with that incident.
On Monday afternoon, the man was accused of causing his partner fear that violence would be used against her, slightly injuring her, as well as threatening and insulting her. He was further charged with recidivism.
Lawyer Franco Debono requested bail and pointed out that the accused had also sustained injuries during the altercation.
The prosecution did not object and it was observed that the pair had exchanged several messages between them.
The court granted the man bail against a €1,000 deposit and a €3,000 personal guarantee. He was ordered to sign the bail book twice a week. A protection order was issued in favour of the alleged victim.
Magistrate Nadia-Helena Vella presided. Police inspector Sherona Buhagiar prosecuted. Lawyers Franco Debono, Adreana Zammit and Matthew Xuereb appeared for the accused. Lawyer Thomas Barbara Sant appeared for the alleged victim.