Mentally ill tenant threatened landlord over rent arrears

A woman was released on bail after she was charged with defrauding her landlord for more than €1,000, theft and property violations.

She was also charged with attempting to grievously injure the couple from whom she had been renting accommodation and threatening them with a weapon, as well as insulting them in excess of the limit warranted by provocation and breaching the peace.

The woman was also charged with relapsing.

Inspector Oriana Spiteri registered her opposition to bail, telling Magistrate Marseanne Farrugia that the 22-year-old, who has mental health problems, had no fixed address or any official identity documents.

Without them, the police have no idea who she really is, or how old she is, said the inspector.

The accused is understood to have attacked the landlord after he let himself into the property to discuss arrears in rent payments. The woman had visited the property to collect her belongings, having moved out after her electricity and water was cut off.

Defence lawyer Ishmael Psaila submitted that the woman now lived at her great grandmother’s house in Malta and that she had no documents because they had been exhibited in a previous arraignment. The accused had previously been charged with attacking and injuring an airport security guard after refusing to be strip-searched.

It is not ideal to keep her under arrest, as she is being treated for mental health issues, submitted the lawyer, saying that she requires constant medical supervision.

“This was an issue regarding her rent…an issue arose and the landlord tried to force his way into the property whilst she was undressed.”

She felt that she had to defend herself against her landlord who was trying to force his way in, explained the lawyer.

Magistrate Farrugia, after deliberating on the matter, granted the woman bail against a €1,000 deposit and a €3,000 third party guarantee.

Lawyers Noel Bianco and Ishmael Psaila were defence counsel.