Man charged with raping his teenage daughter
Last year the accused was given a suspended sentence for harassing her mother
A 61-year-old man was remanded in custody after being accused of raping his 13-year-old daughter on Friday, a year after receiving a suspended sentence for harassing her mother.
On Friday afternoon, the prosecution explained that the investigation started with a report to the director of child protection services about a 13-year-old minor, who is the daughter of the accused, an Egyptian national. The girl allegedly confessed to her teachers that she had recently been molested by her father.
The police confirmed that a magisterial inquiry had been launched. Based on its findings, which included testimony from the minor, officers determined there was sufficient evidence to charge the accused.
The prosecution added that during the alleged rape, the man locked his son in a separate room to carry out his actions.
The court was also informed that the father had been convicted of harassing the mother of his children last year.
The father pleaded not guilty and requested bail.
Bail was denied following strong objections from the prosecution, who cited a significant risk of tampering with evidence. Furthermore, Magistrate Anne Marie Thake stated that granting bail would be premature at this stage, as the man's children have yet to give their testimony in the proceedings.
The name of the accused cannot be published due to a court order to protect the minors. Magistrate Anne Marie Thake issued a protection order in favour of the victim and her family.
The prosecution was led by Inspector John Spiteri represented by Lawyer Miriayah Borg. Lawyer John Demaria represented the accused.