25-year-old denies defiling three teenage girls

A 25-year-old man from Msida has been remanded in custody after he was charged with defiling three young girls, the youngest aged just 12.

The man, whose name is being withheld by court order, was arrested yesterday and charged with participating in sexual activities with underage persons. He was also charged with being in possession and distribution of child pornography.

The accused is understood to have been kissing and fondling the girls, , aged 12, 16 and 17 respectively, but the circumstances which led to his arrest were not revealed in court.

One girl is the daughter of the accused’s current partner, whilst the other girl are her friends.

Lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri entered a plea of not guilty. Inspectors Joseph Busuttil and Roderick Agius objected to bail.

The court, presided by Magistrate Doreen Clarke, ordered the man be remanded in custody.