A 48-year-old man from Birżebbuġa has been placed under a three-year probation order and treatment order after admitting charges linked to an incident involving threats and an unlicensed firearm.

The court also fined the man €1,200, issued a three-year restraining order in favour of his partner and prohibited him from holding a firearms licence for five years.

The case stems from an incident on 22 August, when police received a report concerning an argument involving the accused and his partner.

Police were subsequently informed that there was a firearm in the room where the accused was staying. The weapon was allegedly unregistered and illegally held.

When police arrested the man, they found a shotgun in his possession.

The man faced a series of charges, including threatening his partner, carrying a firearm without the necessary licence, being in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, and recidivism.

He pleaded guilty to all charges. After the court gave him time to reconsider his admission, he confirmed his guilty plea.

In determining the punishment, the court took into account his early admission as well as his criminal record. It also considered submissions by both the prosecution and defence, who agreed that a sentence aimed at rehabilitation should be imposed while ensuring the victim's safety.

Magistrate Nadia H. Vella consequently placed the man under a probation order for three years and a treatment order for the same period.

He was also ordered to pay a €1,200 fine, while the firearm found in his possession was confiscated in favour of the government.

The court further prohibited him from holding a firearms licence for five years and issued a three-year restraining order in favour of his partner.

The accused was represented by lawyers Marion Camilleri, Franco Debono and Fleur Abela.

The prosecution was led by Inspector Christiana Cauchi.