Domestic violence victim jumped out of first floor window, court told

A court has heard how an alleged victim of domestic violence jumped from a first floor window to escape her violent partner.

A 48-year-old man has been charged over the incident involving his long-term partner. He is accused of attacking and slightly injuring the Russian woman.

In the courtroom today the woman told the court that she forgave him and wanted to halt proceedings. Magistrate Charmaine Galea replied that her forgiveness could not stop the criminal proceedings at this stage. 

The man was arrested by St. Paul’s Bay police who were reacting to a report of a person falling from a balcony. Officers were told at the scene that the woman had jumped after the accused had burst down the door to her apartment and attacked her, causing slight injuries. Gripped by terror, the woman had leapt from the first floor balcony onto the street. 

The man was also charged with holding the woman against her will and threatening her about court testimony. The accused denied the allegations, calling them all “lies”. 

He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail against a personal guarantee of €5,000, being ordered not to approach the woman. 

A ban on the publication of the names of the parties was issued.

Lawyers Matthew Brincat and Rene Darmanin were defence counsel.

Inspector Godwin Scerri prosecuted.