A Valletta man was yesterday charged with assaulting and threatening his 13-year-old daughter and his estranged wife since 28 February this year.

The 41-year-old man was charged with slightly injuring his daughter, as well as assaulting her and verbally threatening his former wife. He was also charged with threatening that he would use violence against them or their property.

The names of the alleged victims and the accused cannot be published by court order so as to protect the identity of the underage girl. Before magistrate Anthony Vella, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him. He was granted bail against a deposit of Lm500 and a personal guarantee of Lm5,000.

Police inspector Mario Tonna prosecuted. Dr Lorraine Schembri Orland and Dr Joe Giglio appeared for the defendant while Dr Manwel Mallia represented the alleged victims as parte civile.