Art teacher jailed for nine years over abuse of students
Victims were aged between 10 and 12 years at Fgura garage
An art teacher who ran private lessons from a garage in Fgura has been sentenced to nine years in jail after a court found him guilty of corrupting five minors and subjecting them to sexually inappropriate behaviour over a period of time.
Carmel Agius, 57, was convicted of the crimes that occurred mainly in 2019 and early 2020 and involved female students, all of whom were aged 10 to 12 at the time.
The court heard that the offences took place during art lessons at the Agius Art School, a garage beneath the accused's residence in Fgura.
The Court of Magistrates, presided over by Claire Stafrace Zammit, sentenced the accused after a lengthy trial involving the testimony of several minor victims, their parents, police officers and court-appointed experts.
Police evidence showed Agius engaged in repeated acts of a sexual nature during lessons, including inappropriate touching, suggestive gestures and conduct with sexual connotations.
Several victims testified that he would position them in specific seats during lessons, some of which were not covered by security cameras installed in the classroom. The court found that certain acts took place under the table while students were seated.
The case came to light in February 2020 after one minor disclosed the abuse to her parents, sparking a police report. Subsequent investigations led to further allegations from other students who attended the same art classes.
Police described how they carried out searches at the premises and seized electronic equipment, while forensic experts analysed security camera footage and digital devices.
Court-appointed psychologists and psychiatrists who examined the minors concluded that their accounts were consistent and credible.
In its judgment, the court noted that the victims demonstrated emotional reactions commonly associated with such experiences and were able to describe the events with sufficient detail. The magistrate rejected the defence claim that the allegations were fabricated or motivated by jealousy or external influence.
"These are all acts of libidinous behavior that the defendant was committing to sexually gratify himself and that were committed on children of a tender age who were aware that those acts were 'bad', 'disgusting' and 'disgusting' but who did not have sufficient maturity to decipher that they were effectively sexual acts," the court said.
Agius denied all charges and testified in his own defence, insisting the accusations were false and emphasising his professional record as an art teacher.
He also called character witnesses, including colleagues and family members, to testify about his teaching abilities. However, the court found his explanations unconvincing and noted he showed no remorse, instead attempting to shift blame onto the victims and their families.
In its decision, the court found Agius guilty of corruption of minors and sexual harassment.
In addition to the prison sentence, Agius was ordered to pay €4,715 in expert fees, placed under a five-year treatment order, and permanently banned from engaging in any professional activity involving direct or regular contact with children.
His name is also to be entered into the national offenders’ register.