Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544268
7 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 8 APRIL 2026 COURT Man who jumped into ex-partner's balcony and threatened her handed probation A man who jumped into his ex's balcony after climbing to the roof of the building in Siġġie- wi and threatened her in front of their one-year-old has been handed a two-year probation and a fine. The court heard how, on 6 April at around 3:30am, district police were called to a residence in Siġġiewi following a domestic argument between the accused and his ex-partner. The couple had recently ended their eight- year relationship on 3 April and share a one-year-old son. According to the prosecution, the accused entered the apart- ment block using a key and made his way into the apart- ment after going onto the roof and jumping onto the balcony, despite not being welcome. Prior to the incident, he had sent the woman a number of insulting messages over a dis- pute involving a car he had pur- chased and lent to her, which he wanted back. Tensions between the pair had already escalated earlier that day, when the child accidentally dropped an iPad, prompting the accused to become aggressive and verbally abusive towards the woman. Upon confronting her at the residence, the accused threat- ened the victim in the presence of their child. The court was also informed that the accused has nine fire- arms registered in his name, which were subsequently seized by authorities. The victim had sought assis- tance from a social worker, who later reported the situation to the police. The accused entered an early admission to the charges and acknowledged occasional co- caine use, while denying that he is a frequent user or addict. Reference was also made to an- ger-related issues, although the defence argued that he does not suffer from anger problems and insisted that this was an isolat- ed incident in an otherwise al- most clean record. During proceedings, the court raised concerns about the broader impact of domestic violence cases, particularly on minors, noting the difficulty in imposing restraining orders be- tween parents without affecting the child or access to the child. The court stressed the need for more structured solutions in such increasingly common sit- uations. In its judgment, the court placed Agius under a two-year probation order to be super- vised by a probation officer and imposed a €250 fine. A restraining order was also issued in favour of the victim for a period of two years, with exceptions in place to regulate access to the child through sep- arate proceedings. Additionally, the accused was bound by a €1,000 personal guarantee, which he risks for- feiting if he breaches the re- straining order or disturbs the public peace in relation to the victim. The case was heard before Magistrate Kevan Azzopar- di, with Inspector Christian Cauchi prosecuting and lawyer Rachel Tua appearing for the accused. JULIA DOWLING jdowling@mediatoday.com.mt Court building in Valletta (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday) Brothers arraigned over Easter Sunday dispute at Gianpula party TWO brothers from Siġġiewi were arraigned in court follow- ing an argument that escalated during a party at Gianpula on Easter Sunday night. Roderick Montesin, a 38-year-old delivery man, and his younger brother Melvin Montesin, a 36-year-old gas company employee, both ad- mitted to the charges brought against them. Police Inspector Roderick At- tard explained that at around 9pm, two sisters and one of their boyfriends approached Melvin Montesin while party- ing at the Gianpula venue. One of the women told Montesin to leave her sister alone, insisting that she "was happy without him and did not need him". The situation quickly became tense, prompting bouncers on duty to escort those involved out of the establishment. The argument continued outside the venue, where a grinder was allegedly used to intimidate the women. Both men were charged with slightly injuring the boyfriend while Melvin Montesin alone was charged with causing the three individuals to fear that violence would be used against them, causing slight injuries to one of the women, making threats and insults and breach- ing two separate bails. The women later filed a police report on the incident. Follow- ing his arrest, Melvin Montesin also filed a report against one of the alleged victims. The ar- rest of both men was not con- tested. In court, it was noted that Melvin Montesin had played a role in escalating the incident but later showed remorse. The prosecution considered the seriousness of the matter and requested that a probation or- der be imposed along with a fine and the revocation of two previous bail deposits. The de- fence agreed on punishment. Roderick Montesin was found guilty by his own admission. He was handed a two-year pro- bation order and placed under the surveillance of a probation officer. Melvin Montesin was simi- larly found guilty and handed a 13-month sentence, suspend- ed for three years. He was al- so fined €500 and €2,000 from his previous bail deposits were confiscated. Restraining orders were is- sued for both men in favour of the three victims. Inspector Roderick Attard prosecuted. Lawyer Nicholas Mifsud appeared for Melvin Montesin while lawyers Ishma- el Psaila and Amadeus Cachia represented Roderick Montes- in. Magistrate Kevan Azzopardi presided over the arraignment. MAYA GALEA mgalea@mediatoday.com.mt