Chef placed under probation after admitting domestic violence-related offences

A 32-year-old chef from Egypt, residing in Mosta, was placed under a three-year probation order after pleading guilty to a series of domestic violence-related offences against his former partner.

The accused admitted the charges after being arraigned before the court on Monday.

Inspector Carlos Cordina told the court the case originated from a report filed at one of the domestic violence hubs. The alleged victim reported an argument had broken out between the pair, prompting a separate report to the Qawra Police Station.

The prosecution explained the couple had been in a relationship for several years and had experienced repeated arguments throughout that time.

The victim also alleged that, on some occasions during arguments, the accused had used a knife to threaten her. However, Inspector Cordina clarified no knife was found in the accused's possession during the police investigation.

The inspector testified he contacted the accused by phone, after which the man voluntarily presented himself to the police and fully cooperated with investigators.

The accused admitted to charges including causing the victim to fear violence, harassing her, making threats through electronic communications, issuing insults and threats, and possessing an instrument intended to cause injury without police permission.

After granting him time to reconsider his admission, the court confirmed his guilty plea and found him guilty of all charges.

At the prosecution's request, and with no objection from the defence, the court issued a protection order in favour of the victim.

The court also placed the accused under a three-year probation order and imposed a three-year protection order.

The court warned that if he commits another offence during the probation period, he could face a €7,000 fine in addition to separate criminal proceedings.