A 55-year-old father has been handed an 18-month prison sentence suspended for two years after admitting to repeatedly hitting his 15-year-old son during an argument about school.

The Libyan national, who lives in Siġġiewi and works as a taxi driver, was arraigned on Thursday, charged with causing his son to fear violence, threatening and insulting him, assaulting him and exceeding the limits of parental discipline.

The court heard that on 6 October, officers from the Domestic Violence Unit were contacted by two social workers from Child Protection Services, who showed them a video of a man physically assaulting his teenage son.

The footage allegedly showed the boy lying on a bed while his father repeatedly struck him. The man also appeared to be holding a knife during the incident.

When questioned by police, the boy explained that the incident had taken place on 4 October following an argument with his father about school. The disagreement escalated, with the father allegedly punching his son several times in the face.

Investigators were also shown photographs taken approximately a month earlier, showing the boy with visible facial injuries.

The teenager explained that those injuries had been caused by his father striking him with a broom following another argument.

The father was subsequently arrested at his residence in Siġġiewi on Wednesday.

During the proceedings, the court was informed that the man's wife believed her husband needed help rather than imprisonment, referring to his struggles with alcohol.

The accused did not contest the validity of his arrest and pleaded guilty to all charges brought against him.

The lawyer representing the victim informed the court that the family did not wish to see the accused receive a harsh punishment if he admitted guilt.

The prosecution described the case as an isolated incident and argued that, considering the accused's early guilty plea, a suspended prison sentence would be proportionate.

The defence similarly argued that the father's actions had stemmed from an intention to discipline his son, but acknowledged that the situation had escalated beyond acceptable limits.

After considering the submissions, the court sentenced the man to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.

Addressing the father directly, the magistrate warned him against using physical punishment as a means of disciplining his child.

"Discipline with hitting is counterproductive," the magistrate told him.

Inspector Audrey Micallef prosecuted.

Lawyers Franco Debono and Fleur Abela represented the accused, while lawyer Herman Mula appeared for the victim.

Magistrate Gabriella Vella presided over the sitting.