Ivan Mula, 32, from Zejtun, was charged with breaking his girlfriend’s nose in an attack, damaging her property and stealing her chequebook.

Court heard how Mr Mula, a salesman who works for a light company, held his girlfriend against her will and caused damage to several items in her house, including the piping system.

Inspector Sylvana Briffa, who led the prosecution, said that reports of Mr Mula’s violent behaviour against his girlfriend had often been filed with the police.

Lawyer Mark Mifsud Cutajar is representing Mr Mula while lawyers Lucio and Noella Sciriha are appearing for Mr Mula’s girlfriend.

The case is being heard in front of Magistrate Carol Peralta.