A 41-year-old man from Valletta has been denied bail after being charged with a seven-week campaign of harassment and stalking against his ex-partner.

In addition to stalking, the man was charged with simple theft, causing over €2,500 in wilful damage to property, and illegally accessing and modifying computer data, software, and online credentials belonging to the victim without authorisation.

The accused appeared in court facing six charges stemming from alleged incidents that occurred between 18 August and 22 September 2026. A court order has banned the publication of his name.

The man pleaded not guilty to all charges.

During the arraignment, sources alleged the man entered his ex-boyfriend's home, destroyed a fan, and left a raw chicken breast underneath his pillow.

The prosecution strongly objected to the defence's request for bail, highlighting the persistent nature of the stalking over a seven-week period and expressing serious concerns that the accused would not adhere to court-imposed conditions.

Defence lawyer Jonathan de Maria countered that the nature of the charges did not involve physical violence. He contended that any fear of evidence being tampered with or further harassment taking place could be adequately managed by issuing a protection order.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the duty magistrate denied bail to the accused, and issued a protection order in favour of the victim.

AG lawyers Marica Ciantar and Michaela Aquilina led the prosecution, together with Inspector Sherona Buhagiar. Lawyers Alfred Abela and Rene Darmanin appeared as parte civile.

Lawyer Jonathan de Maria appeared for the man.