Father charged with striking son up to 15 times at dental clinic in Malta
A 54-year-old Bangladeshi man appeared in court after allegedly hitting his minor son repeatedly at a dental clinic. The child had become frightened of an injection.
Bangladeshi father granted bail after alleged assault on son at dental clinic
A 54-year-old man from Bangladesh has been charged with assaulting his minor son inside a dental clinic after the child grew frightened of an injection, Times of Malta reports.
The dentist who witnessed the incident contacted police the following day, telling officers the father had struck the boy between 10 and 15 times during the visit.
A police inspector informed the court on Tuesday that the report was filed on Monday, after the father had brought his son to the clinic for treatment. The man pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecution requested a protection order in favour of the child, arguing it was necessary to prevent the father from influencing the boy before he gives his testimony. The defence objected, contending that such an order would disrupt family life, as all members live under the same roof. The son's exact age was not disclosed in court, though he is confirmed to be a minor.
The defence also argued that the father believed he had acted in the child's best interests, and noted that the dentist's account had already been formally recorded, removing any risk of evidence being tampered with. Similar points were raised in support of a bail request, with the defence adding that the accused had an alternative address available, offered by his brother-in-law, should bail be granted. It further requested that any deposit be set at or near the minimum amount.
Magistrate Nadine Sant Lia accepted the prosecution's request for a protection order, to remain in place until the minor gives his testimony, at which point it will be reviewed. She also granted bail under several conditions: the father must reside at the alternative address, pay a €500 deposit and provide a €2,000 personal guarantee.
Inspector Christian Cauchi led the prosecution. Lawyers Joseph Calleja Parnis and Roberta Ghigo appeared for the defence.
Source: Times of Malta