Couple charged after heated argument that breached protection order

A 23-year-old hairdresser was placed on probation for three years after admitting to damaging her ex-boyfriend’s property during an argument, an incident which later led to the man himself being charged over breaches of a protection order and a previous conditional discharge.

The woman was charged with causing damage to property, inflicting slight injuries, making threats and insulting her former partner during an incident which took place on 7 January 2026 in San Ġwann.

The court heard that the incident followed a heated argument between the former couple. During the outburst, the woman damaged plants at her ex-boyfriend’s residence and threw nail polish on his car, as well as slightly injuring him. Addressing the court, the accused said she acted in anger after her former partner broke her mobile phone.

Police explained that a protection order was in force in her favour at the time. She later went to the police depot, where she was informed that she was under arrest. The legality of the arrest was not contested by the defence.

The woman pleaded guilty to all the charges brought against her and reconfirmed her admission of guilt during the sitting. Taking into account her early guilty plea and the sensitive circumstances of the case, the court sentenced her to a three-year probation order. A restraining order for the same period was also issued in favour of her ex-boyfriend, prohibiting any contact or approach. The court further advised of the implementation of protection measures to retrieve her belongings from his property.

In a separate sitting connected to the same domestic dispute, the ex-boyfriend, was also arraigned.

The court heard that the accused had made a report concerning domestic violence. He was warned at the time that by doing so, he would be reported for breaching the protection order issued in favour of the victim, and for breaching the conditions of a previous conditional discharge linked to an earlier offence. The accused pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him.

The court explained that, as a consequence, the accused would now also have to answer for the original offence in respect of which the protection order had been issued. The parties agreed that a pre-sentencing report should be drawn up before the imposition of sentence.

The defence requested bail until the issuing of the pre-sentencing report to allow the court to consider reducing a fine of €13,000 linked to the earlier proceedings. This was granted under light conditions.

Inspector Omar Zammit prosecuted, while the woman was assisted by lawyer Francois Dalli. The man was represented by lawyers Anthea Bonnici Zammit and Franco Debono.

Magistrate Nadia Helena Vella presided over the sitting.