A young man at the centre of a family incident on Wednesday afternoon was remanded in custody on Friday after pleading not guilty to having threatened his mother and sister.

The 28-year old Latvian was arrested after police showed up following an incident allegedly about some spilt food.

The man, who has previous history of domestic violence reports being filed against him, allegedly began threatening his female relatives during that argument.

He was arrested and arraigned over charges of having threatened his relatives, caused them to fear violence as well as breaching the conditions of a bail decree delivered in October.

Prosecuting Inspector Oriana Spiteri told the court that the man had in the past allegedly threatened his mother with a pair of scissors.

Defence lawyer Joseph Bonnici said his client suffered from psychiatric problems which needed medical attention.

Magistrate Doreen Clarke turned down a request for bail, noting the serious nature of the offences and the fact that the man’s only residence was the same one shared with his alleged victims.

The court also took note of the man’s medical problems and consequently recommended to the Director of Prisons that the accused be detained at the forensic ward.