27-year-old charged with defiling two girls, defence says it was consensual

A 27-year-old man has been remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to defiling two minors.

Standing before Magistrate Anthony Vella, Christian Xuereb, 27, of Qormi, pleaded not guilty to engaging in sexual activities with a 17-year-old girl and a 14-year-old girl.  The accused was also charged with spread indecent material to minors through Facebook, and to relapsing.

He denied all the charges.

Prosecuting Inspectors Sylvana Briffa and Roderick Agius told the court that Xuereb had sent a photo of a naked 14-year-old girl to other people. The Court heard how allegedly, the accused started talking to the youths through Facebook. He is then alleged to have been involved in a sexual relationship with the girls.

Lawyer Josette Sultana, who is defence counsel for the accused, insisted that the girls consented to the sexual activities. Notwithstanding this, the court, presided by Magistrate Anthony Vella denied bail and remanded the accused in custody out of fear that he could tamer with evidence or influence witnesses.

Lawyer Josette Sultana appeared for the accused while Police Inspectors Sylvana Briffa and Roderick Agius prosecuted.