Jealous boyfriend jailed for 12 months after locking girlfriend in room

A man who tied up his girlfriend and locked her in her room for several hours, due to a claimed irrational fear of infidelity, appeared in court today.

19 September 2014, 5:28pm
by Matthew Agius

Renald Hayman, 31, from Senglea, who also struggles with alcoholism, appeared before Magistrate Anthony Vella, assisted by lawyer Lucio Sciriha.   

The court sentenced the accused to 12 months imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to illegally detaining his girlfriend, Maria Vassallo, threatening her and slightly injuring her.

Hayman also pleaded guilty to violating conditions imposed on him by a previous court.

Magistrate Anthony Vella ordered Hayman to start a rehabilitation programme to deal with his addiction and issued a protection order for Vassallo.

Police Inspector Frankie Sammut prosecuted. Lawyers Franco Debono and Angie Muscat represented the victim parte civile.

Matthew Agius is Senior Reporter on Law and Court Affairs at MaltaToday. He is also a Leg...