Man guilty of grievously injuring girlfriend’s mother

Colin Farrugia, 29 of Mosta, was conditionally discharged for three years after being found guilty of grievously injuring his girlfriend's mother, two years ago.

The Gozo Criminal Court heard how at around midnight on 29 May 2011 at Xaghra, Gozo, an argument ensued between the accused and his girlfriend Victoria Spiteri. The accused alleged he was repeatedly hit by his girlfriend when her mother tried to intervene to calm the situation.

However, Farrugia pushed the two women and in the commotion 62-year-old Tessie Spiteri fell to the floor fracturing her elbow and shoulder. The victim needed a surgical intervention due to her injuries.

Taking the witness stand, Victoria Spiteri told the court she had forgiven the accused with whom she had had a healthy relationship for over five years. After the incident in May 2011, the couple got back together the following September.

The witness stated that on the night Farrugia had consumed a substantial amount of alcohol and she did not allow him to cradle their daughter. When the girlfriend tried to close the door to keep the accused out of the bedroom he pushed the door injuring her and her mother.  Her version was corroborated by her mother Tessie Spiteri, who also forgave the accused for his actions.

Magistrate Neville Camilleri, found the accused guilty of grievously injuring his girlfriend's mother and handed him a three-year conditional discharge. The accused was acquitted of assaulting the two women and slightly injuring his girlfriend, after the two victims informed the court they forgave Farrugia and wanted to drop the charges.

Inspector Frank Anthony Tabone prosecuted.