Man’s ‘obsession’ with estranged wife lands him in court

Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit granted bail to a man accused of damaging the main door of Dar Merhba Bik, in Balzan, after refsusing the prosecution's request.

Joseph Dimech, 44 of Birkirkara, was granted bail on a deposit of €200 and a personal guarantee of €5,000.

Police Inspector Elton Taliana insisted that the man be remanded in custody, after the defence lawyer informed the court that Dimech was following a strict medicinal regime.

Dimech was under police bail and was arraigned under arrest this afternoon.

On Friday at around 10:45am, Dimech went to homeless shelter Dar Merhba Bik to speak to his estranged wife. Seeing that he was under the influence of alcohol, the shelter's staff did not allow the man to enter the premises. Dimech lost his temper and broke down the door, causing less than €300 in damages.

Defence lawyer Kenneth Grima told the court the man was "obsessed" with his wife, and the obsession had now developed into a mental health issue that could be cured. He said the couple frequently argued. "He is now under medical treatment to alleviate his obsession and has left the matrimonial home to live with his mother," Grima said.

The lawyer pleaded with the magistrate to grant bail to the accused so he can keep following his medicinal regime. "There were no violent incidents, but he just expects that his wife is constantly there. He drank to pluck up the courage to speak to her, but his world fell apart when the staff did not allow him to see his wife," Grima said.

Dimech brought €300 with him in court to pay for the damages.

The court refused a request by the police not to grant bail, saying Dimech's wife had to be protected from possible violence. Taliana also said the man had assaulted and injured the three officers that went to arrest him from Balzan.