Man who asked colleague for a lift accused of groping her
He was also charged with demanding sexual favours from the alleged victim
A 42-year-old cleaner pleaded not guilty to requesting sexual favours from a colleague and groping her.
Libin Njarakkulath Sebastian, an Indian national living in Ħamrun, appeared before the court on Friday afternoon, where he was accused of committing non-consensual acts on a woman, offending public morals, and demanding sexual favours from the alleged victim.
He was also accused of threatening and insulting the woman.
Police inspector Roderick Attard told the court that on April 12, the police received a report from the woman, who told the police that on that day, she was in her car after work when the man entered the vehicle.
The woman knew he worked at the same workplace but did not know his name.
The accused asked her for a lift to the nearest bus stop. When they arrived, he refused to leave the car and insisted she drive him further.
While she was driving, the man allegedly made sexual advances on the woman, requesting sexual favours and groping her when she refused.
The woman provided the police with the man’s number, from which the accused was identified.
At this stage, no request for bail was made, and the man was remanded in custody.
A ban on the name of the woman and the place where they worked was imposed by the court.
Magistrate Astrid May Grima presided.
AG lawyer Julia Micallef Stafrace prosecuted, assisted by police inspector Roderick Attard.
Legal aid lawyer Silvan Pulis assisted the accused.
Lawyer Arthur Azzopardi appeared parte civile.