Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1379276
3 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 2 JUNE 2021 NEWS MATTHEW AGIUS A man has been bailed on charges of as- saulting and grievously injuring his part- ner. The 38-year-old Luqa man, whose name is subject to a ban on publica- tion by the court, was arraigned before Magistrate Josette Demicoli accused of causing grievous bodily harm, as well as insulting the woman, threatening her and exceeding the limits of provocation. Prosecuting inspector Eman Hayman told the court that the victim had gone to the police station with injuries to her face. She was sent to hospital, where her injuries were classified as grievous. The woman said that the accused had inflicted them, and in no time at all, the police had arrested and arraigned the man. Lawyer Franco Debono, appearing for the accused, entered a plea of not guilty and requested bail. The prosecution ob- jected to the request for release. Lawyer Yanika Bugeja appeared parte civile for the victim, who attended the sitting with stitches under her eye and a bruise on her arm. Bugeja then dictated a note to the court, stating that at this stage, her cli- ent wished to forgive the accused but made it clear that notwithstanding this, if granted bail, the accused must reside at a separate address. Inspector Hayman added that the man had a criminal record and that he was concerned about tampering with evidence. Previously, the woman had asked the police to find her a secure lo- cation, but now she forgave him. "It's like a miracle, or the tampering has al- ready started," was the inspector's wry observation. The court, after hearing the submis- sions made by the parties, said that in the circumstances, it should grant bail. It also issued a temporary supervision order and a protection order in favour of the woman. The court upheld a request for a ban on the publication of the name of the accused to protect minors involved in the case. The accused was ordered to deposit his passport within 24 hours and sign a bail book three times weekly, as well as observe a curfew. His bail was secured by a deposit of €1,000 and a personal guarantee of €9,000. Inspector Eman Hayman prosecut- ed. Lawyers Franco Debono, Marion Camilleri and Francesca Zarb were de- fence counsel. Bruised woman forgives violent partner, inspector suspects foul play CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 The meeting took place on Thursday 27 May, with government officials from the Department of Industrial and Em- ployment Relations and fleet managers coming together to discuss a way for- ward on the food courier debacle. "If we don't pay attention, platforms that increase commerce can end up be- ing used for exploitation," Abela wrote in GWU daily l-oriżżont. "Our aim is not to pick a fight. Our aim is to reach an agreement where everyone comes out on top. We aren't here to harm businesses, in fact we want to increase wealth. However, we want wealth to grow for everyone and not just for entrepreneurs and those in the managerial ranks." During the meeting, a DIER presenta- tion gave a run-down of their inves- tigations, flagging scenarios in which platform owners were hiring sub-con- tractors to employ the couriers them- selves; platform owners hiring couriers directly, or hiring them on a self-em- ployed basis. Abela said that most contracts were not in conformity with the law, and confirmed that expenses were in fact being deducted from couriers' wages. Sources said that there was a general consensus during the meeting that no amounts should be deducted from their wages, with fleets paying their workers on an hourly basis with benefits includ- ed. Abela said the wages given to these workers were already regulated at law, with allowances given on the services needed for couriers to carry out their work. Among these were included a mobile allowance, wear-and-tear allow- ance where applicable, and fuel-related expenses. MaltaToday has reported extensive- ly on the working conditions faced by couriers. In January, this newsroom revealed that food couriers hired with third-party recruitment agencies are taking a 50% pay-cut from their couri- ers' salary. Prior to this, MaltaToday published a feature exploring the allure of being a self-employed courier, as well as the risks generated by the platform model. "Platforms that increase commerce can end up being used for exploitation" Carmelo Abela