Msida man who abused six children jailed for four and a half years

A 43-year-old man from Msida has been jailed for four and a half years, after he admitted to sexually abusing six children.

Inspector Joseph Busuttil arraigned Christopher Azzopardi before Magistrate Aaron Bugeja earlier today, accusing the man of taking part in sexual activities involving minors, corruption of minors and misusing electronic communications technology.

The court was told that Azzopardi had preyed on at least six minors in Pieta’, Birzebbugia and Birkirkara, with his youngest victim being a nine-year-old boy.

Azzopardi pleaded guilty to the charges.

The prosecution said the man needed specialist treatment for his attraction to children and suggested that Azzopardi's name be registered as a sex offender.

Defence lawyer Leontine Calleja submitted that the man was suffering from psychological problems and was a vulnerable person himself.

The lawyer agreed with the suggestion that he undergo medical treatment.

The court denied a request for the ban on publication of Azzopardi's name after the prosecution pointed out that his victims had no identifiable ties to him.

Magistrate Bugeja sentenced Azzopardi to four and a half years in prison and issued a treatment order.

The court ordered Azzopardi's name to be added to the sex offenders’ register.