A 36-year-old man from Cospicua has been released on bail after being charged with grievously injuring his girlfriend in a fight.

Mechanic Frederick Dalli was accused of having punched the woman during an argument at Marsascala yesterday afternoon. He was further charged with causing the woman to fear he would be violent towards her and her family members.

No stranger to the courts, Dalli was also charged with breaching the peace and recidivism.

Lawyer Mario Mifsud, appearing for the victim told the court that the woman wished to withdraw her complaint against the accused, with whom she had apparently reconciled. The court did not allow the request.

Inspector Joanna Piscopo told the court that the accused and alleged victim lived together and that this is enough to cause fear that the incident would repeat itself. “It isn’t the first time,” she added, pointing out that the woman had been seriously injured in the assault.

Defence lawyers Alfred Abela and Rene Darmanin entered a not guilty plea and requested bail.

In the light of the circumstances, the court granted bail against a deposit of €1000 and a personal guarantee of €5000.