Court grants bail, laments lack of interest by injured party

James Farrugia, 26 of Mellieha, was granted bail after pleading not guilty to assaulting and grievously injuring his partner Victoria Camilleri.

The incident happened Sunday evening at 8:30pm inside the couple's residence in Triq l-Assedju l-Kbir, Mellieha. The man, who works as a car sprayer, had an argument with his partner which escalated into a case of domestic violence.

Police inspector Sandra Zammit objected to bail, claiming the female partner should be protected from the man.

But Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit pointed out that Camilleri was not even present for the sitting. "Had she any interest in the case, or felt threatened by her partner, she would been in court and ask to be protected... the couple also have a child, whom the father has a right to spend time with."

Stafrace Zammit granted bail to Farrugia against a deposit of €800 and a personal guarantee of €5,000. The accused was also ordered not to approach his former partner and any communication between the two should be done through his lawyer.

Inspector Sandra Zammit prosecuted while lawyer Joanne Vella Cuschieri appeared for the accused.