No bail for man accused of harassing partner's ex online

Magistrate Joe Mifsud observed that incidents of abuse of communication technology were on the increase

A young construction worker has been remanded in custody after being accused of threatening his partner's ex-boyfriend online.

Albert Schembri, 26, of Birzebbugia pleaded not guilty to charges of misuse of electronic communications equipment, causing the other man to fear that he would suffer violence, harassing the man and recidivism.

Inspector Charlotte Curmi asked the court to grant a protection order in favour of the victim, should guilt be found.

Magistrate Joe Mifsud observed that incidents of abuse of communication technology were on the increase.

“The court feels that this type of crime is increasing the burden on the police, who instead of other work on crimes that are destroying our islands, amongst them drugs, must deal with the likes of this.”

The court, despite the prosecution and defence agreeing that the man should be released from custody, denied him bail “to give him time to reflect on his behaviour in view of the fact that this was not the first time that he had been charged with similar offences.”

Lawyer George Anton Buttigieg was defence counsel.