Paul Micallef, 50 from Birkirkara, was charged yesterday with injuring his son, Decklyn, with an unlicensed sharp pointed instrument. He also allegedly threatened his other three children beyond the limits of provocation, and knowingly used obscene expressions while being drunk in public.

Defence attorney Chris Soler and prosecuting inspector Kevin Farrugia both said the father and son had made up. Decklyn even brought his father clothes to court.

Despite this, presiding magistrate Giovanni Grixti remanded the man in custody until the next hearing of his case.