Woman was beaten up by estranged parter before her work colleagues, court hears

A man who allegedly beat up his former partner at her workplace and subsequently resisted police arrest has been remanded in custody by a court after pleading not guilty to the charges against him.

The incident happened on Monday at about 10.30pm when the defendant, 33 from Birkirkara, turned up at a restaurant in Msida and assaulted his partner in front of her work colleagues.

The man, whose name cannot be published by court order to safeguard the identity of his estranged partner and her two children, was arraigned this morning before Magistrate Charmaine Galea.

Throughout proceedings, the accused kept looking straight into the eyes of the victim, who bore signs of violence on her face, including a bludgeoned eye.

The man was charged with causing grievous bodily harm and causing fear to the victim. He was also accused of vilifying and threatening police officers who were called to restrain him.

During submissions on bail, the prosecution led by Police Inspector Lara Butters raised various objections saying that if the court were to release him from arrest, there would be the risk of further violence against the victim.

Lawyer David Farrugia Sacco who appeared for the victim,...