A man from St Venera was yesterday jailed for three months suspended for one year after he pleaded guilty to punching his wife and threatening her with a bread-knife.

Joseph Farrugia, 38, pleaded guilty, before magistrate Joseph Apap Bologna, to punching Josephine Farrugia in her face and slightly injuring her on Saturday at around 10.30am in Mosta.

He also pleaded guilty to threatening her with a bread-knife and possessing an unlicenced knife.

Following Farrugia’s guilty plea, magistrate Apap Bologna jailed him for three months suspended for one year.

The court also issued a protection order for his wife and ordered Farrugia not to approach her for one year.

Police inspector Paul Bond prosecuted and Dr Chris Cardona appeared for Farrugia. Dr Owen Bonnici and Dr Deborrah Delceppo appeared for the victim.