Mellieħa man charged with domestic assault after Coast Road stop
A 44-year-old man from Mellieħa admitted assaulting his partner after Rapid Intervention Unit officers found their car on the Coast Road at 1am.
Mellieħa man charged after assault on partner discovered during Coast Road patrol
A 44-year-old man from Mellieħa has been charged with assaulting his partner after Rapid Intervention Unit officers spotted their stationary car on the Coast Road at around 1am on Monday, Times of Malta reports.
Officers were on patrol when they approached the vehicle to check on the occupants. When they asked if anyone needed help, the woman indicated that she did. Police then separated the couple.
The woman told officers that a dispute had begun in Paceville, during which her partner had punched her in the chin, struck her on the head with a mobile phone and pushed her against a metal barrier.
The man was instructed to leave the scene. Officers escorted the woman to the domestic violence hub in Mtarfa, and after observing visible injuries to her face, took her to Mater Dei Hospital for treatment. A medical certificate confirmed she had sustained slight injuries.
The accused was charged with assaulting his partner and causing her slight injuries, placing her in fear of violence, and threatening or harming her through electronic communications. A further charge of recidivism was added.
The court heard that a domestic violence risk assessment had returned a score of 16. Magistrate Nadine Sant Lia told both sides that judgement would not be delivered on Tuesday.
The defence requested bail pending judgement, which the court granted against a deposit of €1,000 and a personal guarantee of €5,000. The court also appointed a probation officer to monitor the accused and assist him in addressing a drug problem until sentencing.
Inspector Colin Sheldon prosecuted. Lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri appeared for the defence.
Source: Times of Malta