A Magistrates’ Court yesterday cleared Carmel Galdes of causing his wife permanent injuries during an argument that took place between them, after it was ruled that he was defending himself from her aggression.

The court heard that in a police statement, Mr Galdes, 41, had admitted to forcefully slapping his wife on 5 September 2005 at their home in St Paul’s Bay.

He had also admitted that he pulled her hair, but said he did so to defend himself, since she was being aggressive.

Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera presided over the court.

Police Inspectors Therese Sciberras and Raymond Aquilina prosecuted.