Following an unexpected twist during his arraignment, a 39-year-old Swedish man living in St Julian’s who has been charged with two distinct counts of domestic violence involving his girlfriend has been bailed.
Pleading not guilty to charges of assaulting his spouse once on June 11 and again on June 15, the man, who voluntarily went to police,
During an odd court incident, the defence’s bail appeal saw the mother-in-law of the defendant take the witness seat. She nevertheless volunteered to shelter the man during the court hearings even though she acknowledged he was accused of violence against her daughter.
She vehemently agreed when the magistrate asked her if she would make sure he followed all bond requirements. She next characterized her daughter as volatile, saying, “She’s crazy. She has fought with everyone.” She also stated she had many times interfered to stop her daughter during prior fights, stressing, “It’s not his fault.”
The mother-in-lawm claimed she would not open the door if her daughter came to see the alleged was still residing with her.
The court finally approved bail subject to severe requirements, which included:
- Prohibition from approaching or contacting the victim in any manner
- From going into the St Julian’s home of the couple prohibited
- Checkups weekly at the Birkirkara Police Station
- A personal assurance of €25,000
While Inspectors Christian Cauchi and Antonella Magri are prosecuting, attorneys Francesca Zarb and Marcus Degiorgio are leading the defence.
As the court investigates the events around the claimed assaults and the opposing family dynamics exposed during the hearing, the case will go on.
