A 24-year-old man today was placed under a three-year probation order this morning after pleading guilty to slightly injuring his wife after the pair came to blows. Defence lawyer Marion Camilleri told the court how the man, who cannot be named under court order so as to conceal the identity of the family, suffers from anger management problems.

The incident took place last Sunday at around 2pm, when the man’s wife turned up at his place of business which resulted in a verbal argument escalating to a physical one. The argument ended with his wife nursing slight injuries.  

He was therefore formally charged with causing slight injury, breaching the peace and causing a public commotion.

The wife testified this morning before presiding magistrate Neville Camilleri. She told the court that she no longer wished to press charges against her husband.

She also explained that the pair currently live under the same roof and that she was still willing to take him back for the sake of the family. The woman declared her intention to withdraw her complaint so long as her husband commits himself to seek treatment and learn how to conduct himself appropriately at home.

Prosecuting inspector Jonathan Ransley said that this was not the man’s first incident and that help was definitely needed.

Camilleri suggested that the man be shadowed by a probation officer who could, through his/her expertise, suggest the best treatment option possible.

This would not only help the accused but also the entire family, as well as society, Camilleri argued.

After pleading guilty to the charges brought against him, the court declared the man guilty and placed him under a three-year probation order, with treatment being listed as one of his conditions.