A 31-year-old Nepalese man has been remanded in custody after allegedly assaulting his wife during a gathering at their apartment in Msida, following an argument over money she had sent to her family in Nepal without his knowledge.

The accused, who works as a sales assistant and has been living in Malta for seven years, was arraigned under arrest before the Court of Magistrates on Friday, facing charges of domestic violence, causing his wife to fear violence, inflicting slight injuries, threatening her and insulting her.

The court heard that the alleged incident occurred on Wednesday, 21 October, at approximately 11.30 pm, while the couple were at a gathering with several other people at their shared residence in Msida.

According to the prosecution, those present had been consuming alcohol when an argument broke out between the couple after the accused discovered that his wife had transferred money to her relatives in Nepal without informing him beforehand.

The man allegedly took offence at his wife's decision and proceeded to physically assault her in front of the other people present at the apartment.

The woman subsequently sustained slight injuries.

The accused was charged with causing his wife to fear that violence would be used against her, voluntarily inflicting slight bodily harm, threatening her with hard objects or weapons, and directing threats and insults towards her.

The prosecution also requested that the court issue a protection order in favour of the alleged victim and her family.

During the arraignment, the accused initially pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him. The man was heard telling the court, "I was drunk". Despite this statement, he initially confirmed his guilty plea.

However, at a later stage of the proceedings, the accused withdrew his admission and instead registered a plea of not guilty to all charges.

Following the change of plea, the defence requested bail arguing that the man had been residing in the country for approximately seven years, had stable employment and had developed connections within the local community.

The prosecution objected to the request, drawing the court's attention to the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault. It argued that several individuals had been present inside the apartment when the incident occurred and that these persons had yet to testify in the proceedings.

After hearing submissions from both parties, the court rejected the request for bail.

The accused was consequently remanded in custody as criminal proceedings against him continue.

Inspector Christian Cauchi prosecuted, while legal aid lawyer Nadia Fiott represented the accused.

Magistrate Abigail Critien presided over the sitting.