Man Charged After Alleged Balcony Threat in Sliema
Balcony Threat: Man Arrested After Alleged Domestic Incident in Sliema
Picture this: a quiet Sunday evening in Sliema, the hum of the sea breeze, and the distant chatter of locals enjoying their weekend. Suddenly, a neighbour’s shout pierces the tranquility. “He’s going to throw them off!” The police are called, and a man is arrested, accused of threatening to toss his partner and their baby from a balcony.
This wasn’t a scene from a late-night thriller, but a real-life incident that unfolded in the heart of Malta’s bustling Sliema. The man, a 30-year-old Maltese national, was charged with threatening his partner and their infant child, according to a statement released by the police.
What Happened?
According to eyewitnesses and police reports, the incident took place on Sunday evening at around 7:30 PM. The man, identified only by his initials for legal reasons, allegedly threatened to throw his partner and their baby off the balcony of their third-floor apartment in Sliema’s Tower Road.
The woman, visibly distressed, managed to call the police. Neighbours, hearing her cries for help, also alerted the authorities. When the police arrived, they found the man on the balcony, with the woman and the baby inside the apartment.
Arrest and Charges
The man was immediately arrested and taken into custody. He was later charged with threatening behaviour, criminal damage, and causing fear of violence to his partner. The baby was unharmed, and the woman was taken to Mater Dei Hospital for a check-up.
Inspector Keith Mercieca from the Sliema Police Station confirmed the arrest and charges, stating, “The man’s behaviour was completely unacceptable. We take any threat to life seriously, and we’re glad that the situation was resolved safely.”
Domestic Violence in Malta
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the prevalence of domestic violence in Malta. According to the Malta Police Force, there were 2,247 cases of domestic violence reported in 2020, a 21% increase from the previous year.
Malta’s Association for the Welfare of Others (AWSOM), a local NGO supporting victims of domestic violence, has seen a surge in calls since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. “The lockdown has exacerbated the situation,” says AWSOM’s director, Maria Gauci. “Victims are trapped at home with their abusers, with limited opportunities to seek help.”
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, you can contact AWSOM’s 24/7 helpline on 179.
