Lawyer says her client ‘is only human’ after 19-year-old is charged with minor’s abuse

A 19-year-old man has been hauled into court charged with the sexual abuse of 14-year-old girl. He was released on bail.

Defence lawyer Marouska Debono told the court that it was the victim who instigated the sexual advance, claiming she was aware it would land the 19-year-old man in trouble with the law.

“He fell for the temptation,” the lawyer said. “He’s human. Now he could end up in jail for five years.”

After repeated advances, a 19-year old said yes to an one-off sexual encounter with a 14-year old girl, the court head on Saturday.

Defense lawyer Marouska Debono told the court that the victim in this case had instigated the sexual consummation even though she was aware that it could land the 19-year-old in trouble with the law. "He fell for the temptation," the lawyer said. "He's human. Now he could end up in jail for five years."

Police inspector Joseph Busuttil, who led the prosecution, told the court the girl used to constantly message the accused before he eventually gave in.

The prosecution said that the pair met once for a sexual encounter.

The girl’s father however filed the police report upon learning of the encounter, leading to the arrest and arraignment of the 19-year-old.

The inspector said this was not a case of paedophilia, arguing that like any case it had be weighed on its own merit, also telling the court the two people were of a similar age.

Magistrate Audrey Demicoli granted the man bail and issued a protection order for the girl, and banned publication of the names of those involved.