Father denies repeatedly slapping son at dental clinic

A 54-year-old father from Bangladesh has denied slapping his son at a dental clinic, after the child was reluctant to receive a tooth injection.

The dentist reported the incident to police on 2 November, after the father brought his son to the clinic for dental treatment.

Inspector Christian Cauchi said the dentist had told police he saw the father slap the child around 10 to 15 times across the face when the boy became afraid of the procedure.

The man pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution asked the court to issue a protection order in favour of the child. It said the order was necessary to prevent the father from influencing his son before the minor gives evidence.

The defence objected, arguing that an order would disrupt the family structure. It also maintained that the father’s actions had been carried out in the child’s best interests.

The court granted a protection order until the child testifies.

The defence also requested bail, repeating its arguments about the impact of the case on the family. It told the court that the accused could stay at an alternative address provided by his brother-in-law.

Duty Magistrate Nadine Sant Lia granted bail against a €500 deposit and a €2,000 personal guarantee.

Inspector Christian Cauchi prosecuted. Lawyers Joseph Calleja Parnis and Roberta Ghigo appeared for the father.