Woman halts case against ex-partner accused of damaging property, car
Court accepts her request 'in the best interest of the children'
A woman opted to halt court proceedings against her ex-partner despite allegations he caused extensive damage to her home and car.
The court accepted her request “in the best interest of the children” after hearing how the 30-year old man from Żabbar had caused the woman to fear violence would be used against her and her property.
He had been charged with causing over €2,500 in damages to her belongings and vehicle, breaching the public peace, threatening and insulting her. He denied all charges.
The couple had been together for 12 years and have two minor children under the age of 10 years.
Police inspector Colin Sheldon told the court on Tuesday that officers from the Rapid Intervention Unit escorted the woman to the Santa Luċija domestic violence hub following an incident at her home in Żabbar.
The court heard how the man allegedly broke down the door to the apartment they jointly owned, and damaged three television sets, a wardrobe, the dishwasher and another unit. He also allegedly damaged the woman’s Toyota Vitz. At the time of the incident, the woman was not at home but at a party at Aria Complex.
When the officers went on site, the suspect had already left. The man was arrested on Monday night at his parents’ house where he had been living for the past three months.
On Tuesday, the woman’s lawyer Nicholas Mifsud informed the court she wanted to drop the charges against her ex-partner and “move on with her life”.
The court acceded to her request and proceedings were declared extinguished.
Magistrate Kevan Azzopardi presided. Police inspector Colin Sheldon prosecuted. Lawyers Amadeus Cachia and Ishmael Psaila appeared for the accused. Lawyer Nicholas Mifsud appeared parte civile.