Man admits to injuring former partner with a knife, granted bail<\/p>\n
A 27-year-old man from Qormi has admitted to charges in connection with a domestic violence incident in which his former partner allegedly suffered injuries to her leg and hand.<\/p>\n
Maverick Vella, who works as a sprayer, was arraigned before the court following an incident in Qormi on 15 August.<\/p>\n
Inspector Christian Cauchi, prosecuting, told the court that officers from the Rapid Intervention Unit were called to Qormi over a domestic violence incident involving two people.<\/p>\n
The alleged victim had injuries to her leg and hand which she claimed had been caused with a knife.<\/p>\n
The inspector subsequently ordered Vella’s arrest.<\/p>\n
The court heard that the woman had been in a relationship with Vella for around three years, although the pair had not been together during the past year.<\/p>\n
According to the woman’s account, Vella had gone to her on the day of the incident and told her to go with him because she had some belongings to return to him. She refused.<\/p>\n
She was with another man at the time, and the parties later met in Qormi, where the incident allegedly took place.<\/p>\n
Vella pleaded guilty to the charges. The court granted him time to reconsider and confirm his admission.<\/p>\n
Defence lawyer Marion Camilleri requested the preparation of a pre-sentence report, a request which was not opposed by the prosecution. A probation officer is to be assigned to the case.<\/p>\n
The defence also requested bail pending sentencing. The prosecution did not object, provided that a protection order was imposed in favour of the victim.<\/p>\n
After hearing submissions from both sides, the court upheld the request for a protection order and granted Vella bail pending sentence.<\/p>\n
He was also placed under a temporary supervision order and a treatment order.<\/p>\n