A 27-year-old man was placed under probation order after he was deemed guilty of beating his partner in an argument. The man was charged by Inspector Audrey Micallef for causing grievous injuries and threatening his partner two years ago in February in Birzebbuga. 

The woman testified at the time that they were in a relationship and that during the argument, he had threatened to kill her and threatened her family. The man started hitting her after she tried to take a ring, smashing her head against the ground, punching her in the face and trying to throw her off a wall and choking her. 

The woman managed to escape and locked herself at home. She later went to the health clinic and was subsequently sent to hospital. The police were also informed. 

The man testified that it was the woman who tried to kick him and push him off the wall, and that he tried to push back in defence. He also claimed she attempted to bit him. When he pushed her again she reportedly fell and hit her head on the central strip. He fled the scene as he saw her get up. 

After both sides were heard, Magistrate Gabriella Vella said there was a difference between the statement which the man gave to the Police and the testimony given about when the argument started. She said that she was doubtful about how much he tried to defend himself and said the accused had no reason to be so aggressive in his response. 

Finding him guilty, he was also found to have suffered a trauma in the past, clearly had a drug addiction and had an anger management problem. The magistrate noted how the woman had forgiven him. 

He was placed under a probation order for three years, issued a treatment order for the same period of time and warned him that he would be fined €500 if he harasses his ex-girlfriend or her family. The names of the accused and the victim were not published to protect their identity. 

#MaltaDaily