Teen threatened to kill grandmother if mother did not send drug money, court hears

A 19-year-old youth was charged in court over a domestic violence incident in Tarxien on Wednesday.

A court heard on Thursday how police were called to a residence in Tarxien after an incident was reported involving the young man, his mother and his grandmother. The grandmother later filed a domestic violence report, alleging the accused has a cannabis habit and would frequently provoke family members for money.

On this occasion, the accused is alleged to have asked his mother for money via video call after forcing his grandmother to call her.

His mother reportedly told him she was willing to give him the money but asked him to collect it from Valletta, explaining that she was unable to transfer the funds electronically at the time. It was at this point that the situation escalated.

Prosecutors alleged the young man grabbed a knife and held it to his grandmother’s neck while threatening and offending his mother and grandmother. A six-year-old child was present during the incident.

During the arraignment, the defence requested a pre-sentencing report.

The prosecution did not object to the request, and the court granted the report. The accused remained arraigned.

The accused was represented by lawyer Martina Herrera assisted the accused.

Magistrate Clare Stafrace Zammit presided over the accused.