Man pleads after admitting harassment of former partner

A man has been granted bail after pleading guilty to charges related to the harassment of his former partner, until the pre sentencing report is done.

The case emerged from a report filed at the Santa Luċija police station on 12 April at around 1pm, where the woman lodged a complaint against Emerson Camilleri, with whom she had been in a relationship for one year and three months.

The relationship had ended approximately a month earlier, although the two continued communicating online.

The woman told police that the accused allegedly abused drugs and began suffering from paranoia, believing that she was acting against him. On 7 April, she made it clear that she wanted to cut off all contact.

Despite this, the accused allegedly continued contacting her virtually and insulted her on several occasions. He also went in front of her residence in Mqabba, prompting the woman to seek police assistance. Although officers initially left the scene, the accused later returned outside the residence.

A risk assessment carried out in relation to the case resulted in a score of nine.

The court also heard that the accused cooperated with police and apologised for his actions.

Following his guilty plea, the defence requested a pre-sentencing report, which was accepted by the court. A request for bail was also made, to which the prosecution did not object, citing the early admission of guilt.

The court granted bail under a number of strict conditions. These include a protection order in favour of the victim, with a breach carrying a potential fine of €7,000 and a prison sentence of up to two years.

The accused was also ordered to surrender his identification documents and passport, refrain from contacting or approaching prosecution witnesses, and sign at a police station twice a week between 6am and 6pm.

He must also observe a curfew, remaining at home between 11pm and 5:30am.

Bail was secured against a personal guarantee of €5,000.

The prosecution was led by Christian Cauchi, while Arthur Azzopardi appeared for the defence. Lawyer Nicolai Bugeja appeared as parte civile.