15-year-old boy granted bail after spending months in custody

A 15-year-old boy has been granted bail after spending 169 days in custody, bringing an end to months of detention while criminal proceedings against him continue.

The teenager, who was arrested and subsequently charged with several offences, was released following a decision by Judge Neville Camilleri on Tuesday.

The case is being heard behind closed doors, meaning the minor's identity and details of the charges cannot be published.

The proceedings have attracted considerable attention, particularly over the length of time the teenager remained in custody.

Bail granted after previous application rejected

On 21 October, the boy's defence team filed an application for bail before Magistrate Tanya Sammut.

The request was refused, prompting the defence to submit a further application before the Criminal Court.

On Tuesday, Judge Neville Camilleri upheld the request and granted the teenager bail.

The court ordered a deposit of €7,000 together with a personal guarantee of €20,000.

The minor must also sign the bail book once a week and observe a curfew as part of the conditions imposed by the court.

The decision allows the teenager to remain out of custody while the criminal case against him proceeds.

Inspectors Muhamed Shurrab and Italo Mizzi are prosecuting, assisted by lawyers Dejan Darmanin and Mauro Abela from the Office of the Attorney General.

Lawyer Clint Tabone is representing the minor.