Construction worker gets suspended sentence for assaulting ex-partner over Facebook likes
A 48-year-old man pleaded guilty to domestic violence charges after grabbing his ex-partner by the neck in a jealousy-fuelled row over social media. He received a one-year suspended sentence.
Suspended jail term for man who attacked ex-partner in Facebook jealousy row
A 48-year-old construction worker has been handed a one-year prison sentence, suspended for two years, after pleading guilty to domestic violence offences against his ex-partner, maltatoday.com.mt reports.
The court also issued a protection order and restraining order in favour of the victim, limiting the accused to contact his ex-partner solely in matters concerning their three minor children.
According to the case heard before Magistrate Yana Micallef Stafrace, the incident occurred on 9 October 2026, when the woman returned home from work to find her partner confronting her over men who had liked her Facebook posts. He demanded to know who was messaging her.
The argument turned physical when the man attempted to snatch her mobile phone, grabbed her by the neck, and shoved her, causing both of them to fall onto the bed. He then allegedly punched her in the chin.
The accused faced charges of causing his ex-partner fear that violence would be used against her, voluntarily causing slight bodily harm, and misusing electronic communications equipment to threaten to commit a crime.
The victim suffered minor injuries and sought assistance at the Domestic Violence Hub. A subsequent risk assessment scored her situation at 17, placing her in the 'severe danger' category.
After the accused entered a guilty plea and both parties consulted their lawyers, they agreed that a one-year suspended sentence was appropriate. The court accepted the request.
Inspector Colin Sheldon led the prosecution. Lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri represented the accused, whilst lawyer Alessandro Farrugia appeared as parte civile.
Source: Times of Malta