John Cassar, who is also accused of murdering his mother and attempting to murder his father during an incident in Mqabba on 15 October, has pleaded not guilty to separate charges of harassing his wife and breaching a restraining order over messages allegedly sent between 13 and 14 October.

Cassar, 47, a self-employed man from Siġġiewi, appeared in court on Tuesday charged with several offences relating to alleged domestic violence against his wife.

The charges include harassment, threats through electronic communications, breaching a restraining order and committing an offence during the operative period of a supervision order.

The prosecution is also treating Cassar as a recidivist in view of his previous convictions.

The court heard that Cassar allegedly sent several messages to his wife between 13 and 14 October, despite being subject to a restraining order prohibiting him from contacting her in any way. His wife subsequently filed a domestic violence report at the Santa Luċija police station on the night of 14 October.

A risk assessment initially indicated that the woman was not at severe risk. However, she subsequently reported feeling harassed by the messages, prompting police to request an arrest warrant.

Cassar was arrested at 8:26am on Tuesday at the Corradino Correctional Facility.

During submissions concerning the validity of his arrest, the defence sought clarification on the principal reason that had led to his arrest but ultimately did not contest its validity.

When asked during the court's assessment of his personal details whether his parents were still alive, Cassar replied that he did not know.

The defence did not request bail.

The court also issued a further protection order in favour of his wife, despite an existing order remaining in force until 12 May.

The prosecution was led by Inspector Christian Cauchi, while Lawyer Matthew Xuereb represented Cassar.

Magistrate Kevan Azzopardi presided over the case.