A Dutch man currently facing criminal proceedings in Malta over alleged sexual assault on a woman, today consented to his extradition to The Netherlands to serve a prison sentence for armed robbery and extortion.  

Biondy Clayd Raafenberg, a 25-year-old waiter who lives in Valletta, accepted that he is the person wanted by the Dutch authorities and therefore also accepted his extradition to face justice there. 

However, Magistrate Gabriella Vella told Mr Raafenberg that he has to remain in Malta until his judicial proceedings are concluded before being extradited.

Police Inspector Mario Cuschieri told the court that Mr Raafenberg was arrested on Tuesday. He had been due to call at Valletta police station, where he signs the bail book in connection with his pending criminal case. However he did not turn up.

Police enquiries about his whereabouts led them to a restaurant in Old Theatre Street in Valletta where he works as a waiter. 

Mr Raafenberg apologised for breaching one of the bail conditions. After considering that it was the first time, Magistrate Vella fined him €150. 

He was remanded in custody pending his extradition. 

Mr Raafenberg stands charged with violent indecent assault on a teenager walking back home from Paceville in the small hours of October 16. At the time, he worked for an iGaming company based in Malta. 

Mr Raafenberg is pleading not guilty to sexually attacking the 18-year-old at about 4am close to Sunrise Inn. He is also denying holding her against her will, escaping from police custody, resisting the police at the St Julian’s station and damaging officers’ uniforms.

Police Inspector Trevor Micallef, who is prosecuting in that case, told the court the Maltese girl was thrown to the ground, had her clothes ripped off and was groped but somehow managed to escape.

He said the accused was subsequently arrested near Burger King after the victim recognised him as her assailant through the clothes he was wearing.