A mother has been cleared of the attempted murder of her former partner, after a court ruled that she stabbed him in self-defence. 

The incident happened in her home three years ago when her former partner entered her home and tried to rape her, while her son was asleep.

The woman was able to break free and ran to the kitchen, but the man chased her, pinned her against a cupboard, beat her and punched her in the face. 

It was here that the woman grabbed a kitchen knife and stabbed the man. 

The court, presided over by Magistrate Caroline Farrugia Frendo, observed that the accused did not deny taking hold of the knife when she was attacked by her former partner. 

The police were informed of what had taken place after both the man and the women went to a health centre for treatment. 

The woman had filed several reports with the police that she was being harassed by her former partner. No action had been taken, the court noted. 

When all was considered, the court saw no reason not to believe the accused’s version, especially since the victim had chosen not to testify. 

The evidence showed that this was a case of legitimate self-defence.The woman was attacked inside her home after being repeatedly harassed.

When she was attacked, the woman had no alternative but to try to defend herself. 

Lawyers Stefano Filletti was defence counsel.