Father denies sexually abusing his six-year-old daughter

Police investigations were triggered over alleged sexually explicit Whatsapp messages sent by the man, who lives in Żejtun, to his young daughter.

A 46-year-old man from Żejtun was brought to court on Monday accused of defiling his six-year-old daughter.

In a packed courtroom, the man pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him. 

The court, presided by Magistrate Elaine Rizzo, heard how police received a report from Child Protection Services concerning a six-year-old girl. 

The report raised concerns over WhatsApp messages allegedly sent by the accused, who cannot be named by court order, to his daughter. 

Prosecutors described the messages as containing sexual undertones and connotations.

The child had also told social workers that her father would at times expose himself to her and ask her to touch him, the court was told.

A forensic interview with the minor was subsequently carried out. In this interview, the child confirmed the allegations and further details emerged.

The man was arrested on Saturday by officers from the Żejtun police station when he went to sign a bailbook at the station. 

The court heard that police had previously struggled to locate him, as the address listed for him was a room near a field and officers had never found him there despite repeated attempts.

He was then arrested.

The man had previously served a nine-month prison sentence for theft and is currently appealing a 10-month term for aggravated possession of drugs.

The defence, led by lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri, did not request bail.

A protection order was issued in favour of the child.