Man charged with slightly injuring woman

A man has been remanded in custody accused of trying to suffocate the woman in an argument thought to be over tax.

Police Inspector Christian Cauchi arraigned the 41-year-old man, residing in Ħamrun and charged him with causing the woman to fear that violence would be used against her, slightly injuring her without intent to kill or place her life in serious jeopardy, as well as attempting to use force with intent to insult, annoy, or hurt her.

It is understood that the pair had argued over a tax issue and that at some point the altercation became physical, with the man allegedly attempting to suffocate the woman with a pillow, causing her to suffer slight injuries.

The defendant denied the charges.

Lawyer Maria Karlsson, who was appointed to assist the accused as legal aid counsel, told Magistrate Astrid May Grima that the man was willing to move out of the house he shared with the woman but explained they had a lot of things which were owned in common - including business assets.

The man told the court that he would live in a hostel if released from arrest, but the Court pointed out that this did not qualify as a fixed address.

The defence did not request bail at this stage.

The name of the accused has been withheld to protect the identity of the victim