A Magistrate today told a man accused of threatening his estranged wife that if he truly loved his young son he should do his utmost to stay out of jail.

The 36-year-old man, who cannot be named by order of the court, was charged with threatening his wife, harassing her, threatening his mother in law, breaching the peace, misuse of telecommunications equipment, disobeying police orders and escaping from police custody.

The court heard how the man repeatedly threatened his wife – the two are undergoing separation proceedings – between 25 and 28 July. 

Magistrate Ian Farrugia refused bail but upheld a request to ban the publication of the names of the people involved in the case.

He told the man to rid himself of the idea that he did what he did because he loved his young son. “On the contrary, what you have done shows a lack of respect towards your son. If you truly love the boy then you should stay out of jail and live a normal life for him. I hope you choose the right path from now on.”

Inspector Paula Ciantar prosecuted. Legal aid lawyer Yana Micallef Stafrace appeared for the accused.