Court gives suspended sentence to pensioner for attempted grievous bodily harm of former partner

The court yesterday handed a suspended sentence to a pensioner who was charged with the attempted grievous bodily harm of his former partner and her son.

The incident took place last Sunday at around 1.30pm in a private residence in Santa Venera.

Joseph Debono, 65, from Sliema was also accused of harassing his victims and being in possession of a knife at the time of the incident.

The court, which was presided over by Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit, was told how Mr Debono and his former partner had ended their relationship a couple of months prior to the incident, which took place inside the woman’s residence in Santa Venera.

The court also heard how an argument which erupted between Mr Debono and his former partner at her residence lead to the accused attempting to stab the woman and her son.

Mr Debono pleaded guilty to the offences and cooperated with the police, which led the court to sentence him to a two-year jail term suspended for four years and also handed him a fine of €120 for the unlawful possession of the knife.

The accused will also have to undergo a rehabilitation programme.

The court also imposed a protection order effective for three years and subject to a penalty of €800 in case of breach.

Inspector Robert Vella prosecuted. Lawyers Clint Tabone and Paul Borg were defence counsel.