Man who allegedly stalked former partner granted bail

A man who allegedly stalked his former partner was granted bail on Saturday.

The 32-year-old from Birkirkara, whose name cannot be published by order of the court, was arrested after his ex-partner went to the police, claiming to have been followed about and harassed by her former lover.

The man was later arrested following police investigations. He was charged with harassment, stalking, causing fear of violence and making threats against his former partner over the past few days.

Police Inspector Matthew Spagnol, prosecuting, told Magistrate Ian Farrugia how the woman had filed several reports with the police, alleging that the man, with whom she had been dating sporadically, had persisted in following her around and phoning her, despite the relationship having come to an end.

After hearing submissions on bail, the court released the man on bail against a personal guarantee of €3,000, ordering him to sign the bail book twice a week and to obey a curfew.

The court also issued a protection order in favour of the alleged victim, strongly warning the man not to approach her in any way and placed the man under a supervision order at the defence's request.

The court ordered a ban on the publication of the name of the accused to safeguard the interests of his alleged victim.

Lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri appeared for the defendant.