Iklin man denies downloading child sex abuse material

A 38-year-old Iklin man pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to downloading child sexual abuse material.

Police inspector Chris Muscat explained that earlier this year the police received information through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children about child sexual abuse material downloaded through an IP address.

The IP address was traced to the man’s home, and his father was initially arrested since the connection was registered in his name. Electronic devices were collected and analysed, and the police found the material on devices belonging to the accused. 

After denying the charges, defence lawyer Roberto Spiteri requested bail. The police inspector objected, noting that the accused allegedly downloaded extreme child sexual abuse material, some featuring children as young as four or five years old.

“He knows which websites to access, and it could be that he downloads more and shares such footage,” Muscat said, adding that the man needs the necessary help to overcome his addiction.

Spiteri countered that the objection was based on the fear that the accused would commit a similar or the exact crime if granted bail. He underlined that the accused was presumed innocent until proven guilty. After the devices were seized, there was no evidence that the alleged crimes had been repeated.

The court could impose a temporary supervision order to help the man.

The court granted the accused bail against a €2,000 deposit and a €10,000 personal guarantee. He was warned him to stay away from the internet if he was “going to access things he shouldn’t”.

He was ordered to sign the bail book three times a week. A curfew and a temporary supervision order were also imposed.

A ban on the name of the accused was issued by the court following a request by the defence.

Magistrate Victor Axiak presided over the arraignment. Police inspector Chris Muscat prosecuted. Lawyers Michael Sciriha and Roberto Spiteri assisted the accused.