Man paid 14-year-old €220 for sex, court told

A 23-year-old man has been remanded in custody after being accused of paying an underage teenager for sex and of exchanging pornography with a number of minors.

Unemployed Alexio Camilleri from Hamrun was arraigned before magistrate Ian Farrugia this morning, charged with participating in sexual activities with a 14-year-old boy, making pornographic material featuring minors and misuse of electronic communication equipment amongst others.

Few details relating to the crimes themselves emerged in court today. Prosecuting police inspectors Joseph Busuttil and Stacy Attard told the court that the man had a “friends with benefits” type relationship with the boy, whom he would contact to meet for sex and then pay him €220.

The accused is alleged to have exchanged indecent images with four other underage persons.

Lawyer Luciano Busuttil, defence counsel, entered a not guilty plea and requested bail, saying the accused could be kept under house arrest if necessary. He asked for a ban on publication of the name as the victims are well acquainted with the accused and could be identified through him.

The prosecution objected to bail, saying that so far there were five minors yet to testify, with the possibility of more emerging as the investigation progressed.

On the request for the ban on publication, Inspector Busuttil said that while it was true that the accused knew the minors, they weren’t so closely associated with him that they would be identified. “Those outside their circles wouldn’t know. Those within already know.”

“They’re friends with benefits. He’d call them up and pay for sex. The other four, he’d exchange photos with them on social media. This wouldn’t be helped by house arrest,” added the inspector.

The court denied the request for a ban on publication, saying the necessary elements required at law were not present. On bail, the court also turned this down as there were witnesses yet to testify and the police were still investigating.

The accused was remanded in custody.