Man denied bail after threatening to shoot ex-partner

A 34-year-old crane operator has been denied bail after threatening his ex and driving recklessly.

The defence alleged injuries sustained and presented in court by the prosecution are linked to a razor irritation on the leg and are unrelated to the incident.

The man, from Birżebbuġa, was arraigned and charged with causing fear of violence to his former partner, slight bodily harm, making threats, and dangerous driving.

The prosecution explained the incident took place in the early hours of 12 April between the accused and his former partner. The pair share two children and have been in a relationship for seven years. Although the couple had previously separated, they had recently resumed contact, with the woman spending nights at his residence.

At around 2 am, after picking her up, the accused allegedly began accusing the woman of speaking to other men earlier that evening. During the drive back towards Birżebbuġa, he was said to have verbally abused her and driven dangerously.

The situation escalated further when, upon arrival, the woman exited the vehicle, and the accused allegedly followed her, pushed her onto the boot of the car, and assaulted her, causing slight injuries to her leg.

It was also alleged that the accused threatened to shoot the woman, although police searches did not uncover any firearm. The victim reported the incident in a distressed state and was treated by ambulance personnel. She later informed police that the accused had also made comments about harming himself.

However, the defence argued that the injuries sustained were not the result of any assault but rather irritation caused by a razor blade. It was also claimed that the woman had been under the influence of alcohol when making the report and that the accusations were based solely on her version of events.

The defence further pointed out that shortly after the accused’s recent release from prison on unrelated charges, the woman had gone to his residence with their children and stayed with him for several days, suggesting an ongoing relationship.

The accused denied all charges, insisting he never threatened the woman or questioned her about other men, and claimed instead that she had threatened to harm herself.

A request for bail was opposed by the prosecution on the basis that key witnesses, including the alleged victim, have yet to testify. The court denied bail on these grounds.

A protection order was requested in favour of the alleged victim, while the court also upheld a request for a ban on the publication of the accused’s name.

The prosecution was led by Inspector Christian Cauchi, defence lawyers Delilah Vella and Anthea Bonnici Zammit represented the accused.

Magistrate Monica Vella presided over the sitting.