Anger management, restraining order and suspended sentence for domestic violence

A man has been given a suspended sentence and ordered to undergo anger management treatment after being arraigned in court on domestic violence charges.

Inspector Clayton Camilleri arraigned the Serbian man before magistrate Josette Demicoli this morning, charging him with causing slight bodily harm to his wife, insulting her and threatening her. The court was requested to issue a protection order in favour of the woman.

The accused had initially appeared without a lawyer, but the court appointed one for him when it became clear that he was not understanding the proceedings against him.

It told the man that he had the right to remain silent and explained that the charges carried with them a term of imprisonment.

The accused, 38, from St. Paul’s Bay, a cleaning company worker, stood solemnly in the dock.

Lawyer Martin Fenech, appointed as legal aid to the accused, entered a guilty plea. The accused had a good relationship with his wife and this as a one-off, minor incident, he said. “It was not a vicious incident. I ask the court to take this into account when handing down punishment.”

After deliberating for a several minutes, the court gave sentence. The man was sentenced to two years in prison, this punishment being suspended for three years. He was also placed on a treatment order for three years to tackle anger management and any other psychological issues he may have. He was also placed under a restraining order for three years.

“It is important that you follow the help you are being given, not only because you’ll be reported but for your own good,” Magistrate Demicoli said.

“You cannot contact your wife as things stand. Breaching this order would be a crime in itself. I know you have a child – now you have a lawyer and to contact your child you must first speak to your lawyer. I know you are sorry for what has happened but this cannot repeat itself,” the court said.