A 24-year-old man from Żabbar has been remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to threatening and intimidating his parents for money to sustain his drug addiction, before allegedly fleeing the family home and hiding on a boat for two days.

The man was arraigned under arrest on Wednesday, facing charges including domestic violence, harassment, causing fear of violence, breaching bail conditions, disturbing the public peace, threats and insults, and recidivism.

The court heard that the accused, who suffers from drug addiction, had allegedly been repeatedly demanding money from his parents to finance his drug use.

According to the prosecution, the situation escalated on Monday, 26 October, when the accused allegedly began threatening his parents after demanding money from them.

An argument broke out inside the family's residence in Żabbar, during which the man allegedly lit a barbecue in an attempt to intimidate his parents.

Fearing for their safety, the parents contacted the police and reported the incident.

However, by the time officers were alerted, the accused had fled the family home, prompting a search for his whereabouts.

Police eventually located the man two days later, hiding on a boat, they subsequently arrested him.

The court also heard that the accused had allegedly breached bail conditions imposed on him in May 2025.

The prosecution further charged him with throwing stones or other hard objects at his parents' property, as well as threatening and insulting them.

The man pleaded not guilty to all charges brought against him.

The defence requested a ban on the publication of the names of both the accused and the alleged victims, which the court upheld.

No request for bail was made by the defence. However, the lawyer requested that prison authorities ensure the accused receives the necessary assistance and treatment for his drug addiction.

The court also issued a protection order in favour of the accused's parents.

The accused was remanded in custody.

The prosecution was led by Inspector Christian Cauchi.

The defence was led by lawyer Yanika Barbara Sant.

Magistrate Gabriella Vella presided over the sitting.