A magistrate's court today heard how a man threatened his wife with a knife put to her neck while his children watched.

Last week, the 62-year-old was accused of attacking and causing grievous injuries to his wife during an argument. 

The incident happened on the morning of 26 August in the residence of the couple. The two were arguing, when the man took her mobile phone and smashed it to the floor. He then took a knife from the kitchen drawer and started waving it around, only to hit her hand, cutting the tip of one of her fingers.

Seeing the blood, the man panicked and took his wife to the Mosta Health Centre, where she was certified as suffering from grievous injuries. In the meantime, one of their daughters called the police, informing them of what happened.

In court, Police Sergeant Christabelle Chetcuti said that the woman had admitted to having discussed separation from her husband, explaining that arguments between her and her husband had been escalating. She explained that on one occasion, the man had taken a knife and put it to her neck, threatening her.  Two of their children had been present and later confirmed the incident to the police. The wife had not filed a report on the incident, saying that she was afraid of her husband taking revenge or threatening her with the custody of their children.

Defence counsel Shaheryar Ghaznavi said that the couple were doing their best to resolve their marital issues and the family had recently taken a vacation together.

The court upheld the defence's request for bail against a deposit of 5,000 Euro and personal guarantee of 15,000 Euro.The husband is to reside in a separate residence and sign the bail book twice a week. 

Magistrate Doreen Clarke also ordered a protection order. 

The court ordered a ban on the publication of the name to protect the three children, who are all minors. 

The case has been adjourned.