A man was jailed for a year today after pleading guilty to holding his girlfriend against her will and injuring her.

A court heard how Renald Hayman, 31, from Senglea, tied his girlfriend and locked her for hours in her room for fear that she would cheat on him with other men.

Magistrate Antonio Vella heard how Mr Hayman, who has an alcohol problem, became fixated that Maria Vassallo would run off with another man.

Mr Hayman was admitted to illegally arresting Ms Vassallo, threatening her, slightly injuring her and attempting to cause her serious injury. The incidents happened on and before 15 July. The accused also pleaded guilty to breaching a previous court order.

Magistrate Antonio Vella ordered the accused to start an alcohol rehabilitaion programme and placed the woman under a protection order. The Prosecution was led by Police Inspector Frankie Sammut. Lawyer Lucio Schriha appeared for Mr Hayman and lawyers Franco Debono and Angie Muscat appeared parte civile for the victim.