Released on bail after injuring partner
A 42-year-old Englishman residing in St Paul’s Bay was yesterday arraigned in Court and charged with domestic violence against his partner, with whom he has children.
Inspector Godwin Scerri accused the man that, without intending to kill his partner or place her life in danger, he had caused her slight injuries and insulted and threatened her.
Inspector Scerri told the Court that a report about domestic violence had been received at Qawra Station at about 9.30pm two days ago. The Inspector added that when the Police went on site they found the partner with an injury on her forehead and blood dripping down her face.
The Police immediately took the woman for treatment, and social workers from Agenzija Appogg were summoned and asked to make a risk assessment. The Inspector added that they concluded this was a high risk case, and the accused was accordingly arrested.
Asked by Defence Counsel Marion Camilleri whether this was a first report of domestic violence, the Inspector replied that his investigations showed there had been other reports, but none so serious. He added that during interrogation, accused had stated his partner had been drunk, but until she was taken for medical treatment on the day of the incident, there were no indications that this was the case.
Accused pleaded not guilty to the charges, and asked for bail. Prosecution did not object, as long as accused had an alternative residence and a protection order would be issued.
The Court, Magistrate Natasha Galea Sciberras presiding, accepted the request for bail against a €500 deposit and a €3,000 personal guarantee and against a number of conditions, including his being present during proceedings, not travelling abroad, and signing twice weekly at Birzebbuga Police Station, this being the locality where he would be residing.
The Court ordered the issuing of a protection order in favour of accused’s partner for the duration of proceedings.
Dr Lara Dimitrijevic appeared parte civile. The Court ordered a ban on accused’s and victim’s names in order to protect the children.