A 36-year-old man from Senglea was remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to a series of charges, including secretly filming a sexual encounter with his "on-and-off" partner without her consent.

The man appeared in court on Monday, accused of taking the video, threatening the woman with violence using a knife, damaging her vehicle, issuing threats, breaching a restraining order, and committing offences while subject to a probation order.

Police inspector Omar Zammit told the court that the woman filed a report on December 27 at around 3am, stating that she had been involved in an on-and-off relationship with the accused. During an argument, the man allegedly threatened her with a knife. The pair later went out into the street, where he is accused of damaging her car.

Zammit added that a court-issued restraining order was already in place in favour of the woman and that the report indicated it had been breached. The inspector further alleged that the man recorded a video of the couple engaging in a sexual act without the woman's consent. The accused was arrested on Sunday.

Defence lawyer Mark Mifsud Cutajar requested bail, arguing that his client is presumed innocent until proven guilty. He noted that the police were already in possession of the video and that the accused had given a statement. He said the court could impose conditions to address any concerns.

The prosecution objected to bail, pointing out that the alleged victim had not yet testified. Mifsud Cutajar argued that it was common for partners in relationships to file police reports during disputes and later withdraw them, adding that despite the existence of a protection order, the alleged victim had resumed the relationship.

The court denied the bail request and ordered that the man remain in custody.

Magistrate Caroline Farrugia Frendo presided over the case. Police inspector Omar Zammit prosecuted. Lawyers Franco Debono and Adreana Zammit appeared for the alleged victim.