Abusive boyfriend denies threatening, seriously injuring ex-girlfriend

A 31-year-old man from Senglea has been remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to threatening and seriously injuring his former girlfriend and of holding her against her will.

The court heard how the accused, Renald Heyman, has a “serious alcohol problem,” and that “he loses control” when he drinks. 

Lawyer Franco Debono, representing the girlfriend, Maria Vassallo, in parte civile, told the court that the accused often goes home drunk and beats up and threatens his girlfriend.

Moreover, prosecuting inspector Frankie Sammut told the court that the police had received several reports of the abuse. He also said that the accused was in constant fear that his girlfriend would cheat on him, and would consequently threaten her against leaving the house.

Defence lawyer Lucio Scriha told the court that the problem emanates from the accused’s chequered past. Insisting that the accused is a good man, the lawyer said that when he drinks he loses control, and consequently requested the court to grant the man help.

Hayman also pleaded not guilty to slightly injuring his girlfriend twice, of breaching public peace, of relapsing, and of breaching a probation order.

Magistrate Aaron Bugeja denied bail and remanded the man in custody. He also ordered that the accused be given the necessary help to rehabilitate.

Lawyer Lucio Scriha represented the accused, while lawyer Franco Debono was parte civile. Inspector Frankie Sammut prosecuted.