31-year-old accused of defiling girl,13
The alleged case happened during a boat trip
A 31-year-old man from Vittoriosa pleaded not guilty on Tuesday after he was accused of defiling a 13-year-old girl.
Andre Massa was also accused of performing non-consensual sexual acts, harassing the girl, and recidivism.
It is understood that the man joined the family of the alleged victim on a boat where he allegedly touched the girl's breasts while she slept.
Lawyer Arthur Azzopardi, assisting the accused, requested a ban on publication of the man’s name arguing that his surname was not common and that the families were friends. The court banned the publication of the minor’s name.
Azzopardi also requested bail arguing that the girl had already given her statement, which was recorded. He stressed that the accused has strong ties to Malta and he does not own the boat where the offence was allegedly committed.
Prosecutor Miriyah Borg countered that there were more civilian witnesses yet to testify under oath and that these witnesses know the accused. She objected to the bail request.
After hearing the submissions, the court denied bail, but urged the prosecution to summon the civilian witnesses at the first sitting.
Magistrate Lara Lanfranco presided. AG lawyer Miriyah Borg prosecuted assisted by police inspectors Wayne Bonello and Ryan Vella.
Lawyer Arthur Azzopardi appeared for the accused.