Jailed for indecent assault - November 25, 2003

A 51-year-old Rabat man has been jailed for nine months for the violent and indecent assault of a 15-year-old girl who suffered from a disability four years ago.

Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani Grima found Victor Mifsud guilty of the violent indecent assault of the minor who was on her way to the grocer in Qawra on September 1, 1999.

The magistrate heard how Mifsud, who was in a red car, had called the girl and committed indecent acts when she went next to the car. Mifsud told the girl to go back the following day but when the girl went home she told her mother what had happened.

The next day the girl's mother, accompanied by a facilitator, went to the place indicated by the girl who also pointed out the car to them. The mother noted the registration plate, filed a police report and eventually Mifsud was arrested.

Mifsud denied the allegations. He said he worked in the area and the girl had approached his car and waved a bag in front of his face but he denied touching her.

The magistrate also heard that the girl was capable of testifying and that although she knew right from wrong she was not capable of lying.

After evaluating the evidence the magistrate ruled that the version of the events given by the girl was consistent unlike that given by the accused.

Police Inspector Joseph Mercieca prosecuted.

Dr Chris Cilia appeared for the defendant and Dr George Abela and Dr Robert Abela appeared in parte civile.