Father accused of injuring three-month old daughter

A 26-year old man of Nadur, Gozo, was this afternoon granted bail after denying charges of grievously injuring his infant daughter.

Prosecuting inspectors Joseph Busuttil and Frank Tabone explained to the court how the police were informed of the case by medical officers at Mater Dei Hospital. Doctors told investigators that a three-month baby girl had been admitted to hospital suffering from internal bleeding and bruising.

The police arraigned the child’s father, who denied the allegations, saying he has the child’s best interest at heart. The accused explained how he found his daughter having a fit and immediately called his mother. The two rushed the child to the hospital in Malta.

The accused's wife, the child’s mother, did not attend court this afternoon as she stayed with the girl. Magistrate Paul Coppini was told that no accusations have been filed by either of the parents against the other.

The defence council requested bail for the accused. Lucio Sciriha, appearing for the accused, told the court that this was a family issue which would clarify itself.

“There is no fear that evidence would be tampered with as it is medical officers who would testify about the child's injuries. Furthermore the accused has a clean police record and was never convicted”, the lawyer said.

Magistrate Paul Coppini granted bail against a deposit of €1000 and a personal guarantee of €5000. The infant was put under a protection order and the accused ordered not to approach his daughter. He will be residing with his parents.

Inspectors Joseph Busuttil and Frank Tabone prosecuted, while lawyer Lucio Sciriha appeared for the accused.