Woman attacked inside law courts suffers broken arm

A court heard how a woman was attacked by her former partner and thrown to the ground inside a court room, and threatened with death while police officers did their utmost to get him off her.

During the incident that happened last May 25, inside the Appeals Court, the woman sustained a broken arm.

Elena Maria Felice said that James Demanuele, 36, who is currently serving a prison term, had first tried to attack her during an appeals court sitting, but failed and he was subsequently arraigned about that case.

On May 25 after she had given evidence about what happened in the appeals court, he jumped on her in the court. He pulled her hair, slammed her against the floor, and threatened to kill her. Ms Felice said that two policemen also fell down as they tried to control him, and other officers rushed to the rescue.

A man in a wheelchair who was waiting for another case was slightly injured. Ms Felice said she suffered a broken arm.

During today's sitting, before Ms Felice came in, the Magistrate ordered the accused to be handcuffed and that officers escort the woman to the witness stand and then out of the hall. During the sitting, Mr Demanuele tried to get up to speak to his lawyer but was told to sit down and to call his lawyer while seated. He was surrounded by six policemen.

Asked by Inspector Pierre Micallef Grimaud whether she had provoked he former partner in any way, Ms Felice said 'No. Not in any way'.

PC Mario Galea, who had been on escort duties, said that that the accused had jumped on the woman and had told her he would attack her.

The case continues.