Paschalino Cefai has been charged after allegedly preventing his partner from calling an ambulance when she fell ill at their home.

Cefai, a 46-year-old Attard resident who has previously appeared before the courts a number of times, was brought before the court under arrest and faced 10 charges, including grievously injuring his partner, unlawfully detaining her, threatening and insulting her, instilling fear that violence would be used against her, breaching five bail conditions and recidivism.

The court heard the woman approached police at the Marsaskala police station on 11 October, at around 2:30pm, before giving a statement to the Domestic Violence Unit.

She explained she had been at home with Cefai, where they were both consuming drugs, when she began feeling unwell.

Although she wanted to call an ambulance, she alleged that Cefai would not allow her to do so. She eventually managed to make the call and received medical assistance at Mater Dei Hospital.

According to her account, Cefai later told her to leave the hospital because she was on probation and had been under the influence of drugs.

The woman said she had begun to fear Cefai and, once outside the hospital, made up an excuse to avoid raising his suspicions so that she could contact the police.

During her statement, she also reported an earlier alleged assault dating back to 16 August.

She claimed an argument between them escalated when Cefai threw her down the stairs, causing her to strike her head. The couple subsequently went to a health centre, where the woman required three stitches to the upper part of her face.

She further alleged Cefai had restricted her movements for some time, preventing her from leaving their home.

According to the woman, he wanted to conceal the alleged assault and the injury to her head because he was already subject to bail conditions, including a requirement not to commit another offence.

Cefai pleaded not guilty to the charges, while his defence did not request bail.

The court ordered that he be kept in custody and issued a protection order in favour of the alleged victim.

Inspector Omar Zammit led the prosecution, assisted by lawyer Jennifer Polidano on behalf of the Attorney General.

Lawyer Nicholas Mifsud appeared for the accused.

Magistrate Caroline Farrugia Frendo presided over the case.