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A 29-year-old man accused of raping, choking and physically assaulting his ex-girlfriend has been granted bail after pleading not guilty to a series of charges arising from an investigation into alleged domestic violence.

The man, who resides in Marsa, was arraigned under arrest on Friday, facing a total of nine charges, including rape, non-consensual sexual acts, unlawful detention, coercion, harassment, causing fear of violence, bodily harm, threats and misuse of electronic communications. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him. 

The offences occurred between February and October 2026, during and following the couple's relationship.

The court heard that the investigation began after the alleged victim filed a report with the police Domestic Violence Unit following an argument with her former boyfriend, during which he allegedly physically assaulted her.

However, further allegations emerged when the woman underwent a domestic violence risk assessment, prompting investigators to expand their inquiry into other incidents allegedly occurring during the relationship.

Among the allegations was an incident of rape said to have occurred in February, when the couple were still together. The prosecution also alleged that the accused had, on various occasions, physically restrained the woman by holding her hands and head to prevent her from moving. 

Defence argues alleged choking incidents began as jokes

The defence requested bail, submitting that the accused had a stable job, established family support and a settled life in Malta.

During submissions, defence lawyer Francesca Zarb addressed allegations that the accused had grabbed his former girlfriend by the neck, explaining that, according to the account given to investigators, some of these incidents had initially begun as jokes between the couple.

It was argued that the alleged victim herself had described the neck-grabbing incidents in this manner when speaking to police. The defence further acknowledged that the accused had previously had minor encounters with the courts but argued that his personal circumstances supported his release pending proceedings. 

The prosecution objected to bail by first reiterating that the alleged choking incidents had been described as beginning in a joking manner, but that this explanation did not extend to any of the allegations of rape or other non-consensual sexual conduct. It also cited the gravity of the accusations and concerns over possible witness tampering.

The court was informed that the alleged victim's statement had already been preserved through an audiovisual recording.

The defence argued that this substantially reduced the risk of interference with the principal witness, particularly since both her original account and the information disclosed during the subsequent risk assessment had already been documented by investigators.

The defence also drew attention to the fact that the initial police report concerned an alleged physical assault, while the more serious accusations emerged during the subsequent risk assessment.

After hearing submissions from both sides, the court granted the accused bail. A protection order was also issued in favour of the alleged victim, as well as the road where she resides. 

Lawyer Francesca Zarb represented the accused, while Inspector Omar Zammit and lawyer Cynthia Tomasuolo from the Office of the Attorney General prosecuted.

Lawyer Maya Briffa appeared on behalf of the alleged victim. Magistrate Abigail Critien presided over the sitting.