A three-year-old boy allegedly tried to protect his mother as his father attacked her inside their home, a court heard.

The 47-year-old man was arraigned under arrest over the incident, which allegedly left his wife with grievous injuries.

Police were called after receiving a report about a woman who had come out into the street with blood coming from her head and who required urgent medical assistance.

When officers arrived, the accused allegedly acknowledged having laid hands on his wife and was subsequently arrested.

The woman was taken to Mater Dei Hospital, where doctors certified her injuries as grievous.

While receiving treatment, she spoke to officers from the Domestic Violence Unit and told them she had been in a relationship with the accused for around 10 years.

According to her account to police, the assault happened inside their home while their three-year-old son was present.

She alleged that her husband grabbed her by the hair and repeatedly struck her head against furniture.

The child, the court was told, tried to intervene and urged his father to stop as he attempted to protect his mother.

The woman eventually managed to leave the home while bleeding from the head, with the accused allegedly following her outside.

A risk assessment carried out by the Domestic Violence Unit classified her as being at extreme risk.

The accused faces charges including causing grievous bodily harm, making the alleged victim fear that violence would be used against her, and other offences linked to the domestic violence case.

The defence requested bail, arguing that the man could reside with his mother in a different locality if released.

His mother also appeared in court and assured the court that he could stay at her residence.

The court, however, denied bail and ordered that the accused remain in custody.

At the prosecution's request, the court also issued a protection order in favour of the alleged victim.

The order will remain in force for three years and bars the accused from contacting her directly or indirectly, whether in person, online or through third parties.

The prosecution was led by Inspector Audrey Micallef, with lawyer Jennifer Polidano appearing for the Attorney General. The accused was represented by lawyer Alizée Micallef