Man jailed for defying court order, contacting former partner in Malta

In a quiet street of Birkirkara, a man’s persistent attempts to rekindle a relationship landed him behind bars. The man, a 35-year-old resident of this bustling central town, found himself on the wrong side of the law when he repeatedly contacted his former partner, breaching a court order.

Court Order Violation: A Serious Matter

In Malta, a court order is a legal instruction that must be obeyed. It could be a restraining order, a protection order, or an injunction, all designed to prevent one person from doing something that could harm or harass another. In this case, the court had ordered the man to cease all contact with his former partner, but he chose to ignore it.

The court order was issued following a domestic violence incident, a stark reminder that such cases are not uncommon in our communities. According to the Malta Police Force, there were 465 reported cases of domestic violence in 2020 alone. The court order was a means to protect the victim and prevent further incidents.

Breach of Peace: The Legal Consequences

Breaching a court order is a criminal offence under Maltese law. The Criminal Code states that disobeying a court order can lead to a fine, imprisonment, or both. In this case, the man was sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered to pay a €500 fine.

Magistrate Dr Donatella Frendo Dimech presided over the case, emphasizing the seriousness of breaching a court order. She stated, “The court order was clear and unequivocal. You were not to contact the victim in any way, shape, or form. Your actions show a complete disregard for the law and the victim’s safety.”

Support Services in Malta

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are support services available in Malta. The Malta Police Force has a dedicated Domestic Violence Unit, and there are also non-governmental organizations like Dar tal-Providenza and KOPIN that provide shelter, counseling, and legal aid.

Remember, everyone has the right to live free from violence and fear. If you’re in immediate danger, call the emergency services on 112. If you need advice or support, contact one of the support services listed below:

• Malta Police Force Domestic Violence Unit: 2122 4000
• Dar tal-Providenza: 2166 0202
• KOPIN: 2123 6960

Let’s stand together against domestic violence and ensure that everyone in Malta feels safe and protected.