A Tunisian man who had previously denied beating up his wife was today handed a suspended sentence after changing his plea and admitting to the charges.

The 31-year-old, whose name is not being published to protect the identity of the woman, allegedly beat his Maltese wife after she accused him of being lazy. In the last sitting the woman appeared in court with a black eye and butterfly stitches over the lacerations on her face.

The incident happened inside their St Paul’s Bay apartment in front of their four-year-old daughter. The woman’s injuries had been examined by a court expert, and so were bite marks on the accused.

Lawyer Franco Galea, who appeared parte civile for the woman, had told the court this was not the first such incident. The previous incidents, however, were not reported to the police.

The man had at first denied the charges of seriously injuring his wife, threatening her and causing her to fear that violence will be used against her. However he has now entered a guilty plea.

Magistrate Doreen Clarke sentenced him to 18 months in jail suspended for four years and put on a four-year supervision order during which he might have to attend counselling sessions. The court also issued a three-year protection order in favour of the woman and told the man that he was only allowed to speak to her on matters related to their daughter. He also consented to psychological help for the daughter in view of what she experienced.

Lawyer Stefano Filletti appeared for the accused. Inspector Godwin Scerri prosecuted.