Steven Zammit, 25, from Paola or Birzebbuga was yesterday charged with having kept Stephanie Buhagiar from Xaghjra against her will.

Police senior Inspector Anthony Cassar charged him with threatening her with a gun to her head, and with telling her: “When we reach the flat, start saying your prayers”, “I will cut you to pieces in the bathroom” and “You enter here whole and come out in plastic bags”. He was also charged with threatening her parents and with being a relapser.

Zammit pleaded not guilty and was granted bail on a personal guarantee of Lm10,000.

Dr Roberto Montalto and Dr Joseph Giglio appeared for the accused.