Man accused of abusing girl, 5, at homeless shelter
The girl was residing at the YMCA Msida shelter with her mother, as they are homeless
Updated 3.12pm
A 51-year-old man, who is currently residing at the YMCA shelter in Msida, was on Friday charged with the alleged sexual abuse of a minor.
The court heard that on June 25, a woman went to the Sliema Police Station and reported that she and her five-year-old daughter were residing at the YMCA in Msida as they were homeless.
Accompanied by a YMCA care leader, the woman told police she had discovered a video on her mobile phone allegedly showing Reuben Schembri indecently touching her daughter.
Sources told Times of Malta it is understood that the girl's sibling was playing with their mother's mobile phone at the time of the assault when they accidentally recorded the alleged incident.
She reportedly showed the footage to the investigating police officers.
The police secured the video as evidence, and Schembri was immediately arrested at the YMCA.
Schembri, an igaming employee, pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the defence informed the court that it was not requesting bail at this stage.
Schembri was remanded in custody.
The prosecution was led by Inspector John Spiteri, assisted by lawyer Miriayah Borg on behalf of the Attorney General.
Lawyer Victor Bugeja represented the accused.