Woman claims she was punched twice, threatened by partner

A 24-year-old man pleaded not guilty to a raft of domestic violence charges on Monday morning.

Prosecuting inspector Christian Cauchi told the court that the man’s partner turned up at the domestic violence unit on Sunday at 1am. She told officials that the couple had been together for four years and had a three-year-old daughter. The woman lived with the accused at his apartment in Kirkop. 

On Saturday they were at her mother-in-law's and they argued over “some words that had been said with which she did not agree”.

The inspector said that the woman told the police the accused continued to drink and curse when they returned to his apartment. He then allegedly punched her twice in the eye and banged her head against the fridge.

The woman also reported another incident which allegedly took place on April 2, when he allegedly grabbed her by the neck and threatened to suffocate her.

Cauchi told the court that the woman scored 27 on the danger assessment.

Weapons cache

He said the woman had claimed that her partner possessed some weapons and had threatened to shoot her if he caught her cheating.

The police confirmed that the man had a number of weapons registered in his name. During a search they found eight weapons at his parents’ home, which was the registration address.

But they also found two shotguns in a field and a third at the man's apartment. Those weapons were confiscated since they were not found at the registered address.

In court, the man was accused of causing his partner to fear that violence would be used against her. He was also accused of causing her slight injuries, threatening, insulting and assaulting her in April, among other charges.

He pleaded not guilty.

Bail was requested by defence lawyer Anita Giordimania.

The victim's lawyer, Lennox Vella observed that while the apartment belonged to the accused and his partner lived there, for now he could stay with his parents.

Defence lawyer Anita Giordimania pointed out that she had since left, moving to her mother’s house in another locality.

A ban on the names of the accused and victim was requested and upheld.

Giordimania told the court that until Monday morning the woman was still texting the man’s relatives with photos of her eldest daughter, whom she did not share with the accused, on her day of her First Holy Communion. The lawyer also hinted that there were incidents where the woman assaulted the man but he did not report her to keep the peace.

The magistrate told the parte civile lawyer that if a protection order was imposed and bail was granted, the woman should refrain from provoking and instigating him. A

Addressing the accused, the court told him “if she approaches you or tries to speak to you, report her to the police.”

Bail was granted against a €500 deposit and a €5,000 personal guarantee. The accused was ordered to sign the bail book three times a week. A curfew was imposed.

A protection order was issued.

Magistrate Gabriella Vella presided.

Police inspector Christian Cauchi prosecuted.

Lawyer Anita Giordimania assisted the accused.

Lawyer Lennox Vella appeared as parte civile.