Man pleads not guilty to raping 15-year-old girl

A 46-year-old Swieqi man charged with raping a 15-year-old girl while she was in his care has pleaded not guilty, in court this morning.

The court heard how the girl had been living with the man, with the consent of her mother, after the two had met on Facebook.

According to prosecuting inspector Trevor Micallef, the rape had been reported by the girl on Sunday. Inspector Paul Ciantar was also part of the prosecution.

The accused, who was represented by lawyer Michael Scriha, made no request for bail.

Magistrate Joe Mifsud, who presided over the case, said the court was concerned by the increase in cases related to abuse in relationships starting on social media.