A 29-year-old Eritrean man, who lives in Msida, was placed in preventive custody yesterday after he was accused of grievously injuring his wife on Friday.

Magistrate Antonio Mizzi refused Okbalidet Abe Bariya bail and placed him in preventive custody after he pleaded not guilty to causing grievous bodily harm to Gabriela Brhane Hussein early on Friday morning.

Mr Bariya requested permission to visit his wife in hospital, but the prosecution informed the court that his wife had said she did not wish to see him.

Police inspector Romina Veneziani prosecuted while Dr Leslie Cuschieri appeared for the accused.