A 44-year-old man was granted bail Friday after pleading not guilty to punching his partner of 19 years. Police inspector Audrey Micallef told the court that a woman had reported an argument between her and her partner, with whom she shares two children 鈥 both minors 鈥 to the Marsascala police station. She told police that she and her partner had been arguing verbally when the man allegedly punched her in her left ear. The woman went to the health centre and her injuries were certified as grievous. She was also referred to the ears, throat and nose (ENT) outpatients department at Mater Dei Hospital. Defence lawyer Franco Debono asked if his client had sustained any injuries, to which the inspector replied that the man had scratches over his face, arms and chest. The police also noted blood on his vest. The police inspector had taken photos of the injuries and asked him if he would like to file a report against the woman. The man did not proceed with a report against the alleged victim. In his statement to police, the man denied punching the woman in her ear, but said he slapped her in self-defence. According to the accused鈥檚 statement, the woman provoked and assaulted him before he slapped her. The taxi driver from Msida pleaded not guilty to causing grievous injuries to his partner and causing her to fear that violence would be used against her. He was also accused of assaulting and threatening her. Debono requested bail, to which the prosecution objected. The prosecution argued that proceedings were still at an early stage and that if the man was granted bail there was a fear that he would try to approach the alleged victim. Prosecutor Valentina Cassar observed that their children were present for the altercation. The defence countered that the man鈥檚 criminal record contained only 鈥渕inor鈥 offences, including a 2019 traffic conviction and a conviction going back 24 years. After hearing the submissions, magistrate Jean Paul Grech granted the man bail against a 鈧2,500 deposit and 鈧5,000 personal guarantee. He was ordered to sign the bail book twice a week and to not approach within 50 metres of the residence of his partner and their children. The court issued a ban on the name of the accused and the alleged victim as well as a protection order in favour of the woman and their two children. Magistrate Jean Paul Grech presided over the court. AG lawyer Valentina Cassar prosecuted assisted by police inspector Audrey Micallef. Lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri appeared for the man.