Courts drops domestic violence charges at couple’s request

A 21-year-old woman and her 41-year-old partner walked free after both requested to withdraw charges against each other, following a domestic dispute that saw police called to an Attard residence.

The pair stood co-accused of inflicting slight bodily harm on one another without intent to kill or endanger life. Both were additionally charged of voluntarily causing damage to property exceeding €250, but not exceeding €2,500, alongside attempting to use force to insult, annoy, or hurt the other.

On 16 September, police responded to a domestic dispute at an Attard residence, where officers arrived to find the house in disarray.  The prosecution maintained that the woman carried out a risk assessment that yielded a high-risk score, meaning her partner was also arrested. 

Both defendants initially entered a not guilty plea upon arraignment. Proceedings shifted when the court heard that both parties wished to drop all charges against each other.

The man took the witness stand to confirm he wished to stop all legal procedures against the woman, stating he would like to live a separate life from her. The woman concurred, maintaining her request to withdraw the claims.

When questioned directly by the magistrate to ensure she had not been coerced, the woman confirmed that her decision was entirely voluntary. She explained that the argument had occurred in the heat of the moment and that she chose to forgive the man.

The court acceded to the requests, ordering all charges to be dropped and declaring criminal proceedings against both individuals extinct.

Inspector Omar Zammit prosecuted. Legal procurator Peter Paul Zammit appeared for the woman, while lawyer Maria Margo Zammit Fiorentino appeared for the man. 

Duty Magistrate Marseann Farrugia presided over the arraignment.