Teacher charged with sending lewd text messages to minor

A 47-year-old teacher from Naxxar has been released on bail against a personal guarantee of €5,000 after pleading not guilty to harassing and sending sexually inappropriate text messages to a 17-year-old boy.

The victim is a friend of the accused’s son.

The accused, who teaches at an international English language school, also denied misusing his mobile phone.

The name of the accused has been banned to protect the identity of the victim.

Prosecuting inspector Joseph Busuttil and defence lawyer Daniela Mangion insisted that the accused is in need of professional help and that he is currently residing at Mount Carmel Hospital.

Magistrate Ian Farrugia released the man on bail against a personal guarantee of €5,000 and ordered him not to approach the witnesses and to sign a bail sheet every week.