Man denies asking seven-year-old girl for indecent images of herself
He was charged with various sexual offences involving minors
A 25-year-old man pleaded not guilty to contacting a seven-year-old over social media and asking her for indecent images of herself.
Darphen Mark Serrano, a Filippino national living in St Paul’s Bay, was arraigned before a court on Gozo on Thursday where he was accused of various sexual offences involving minors, including defilement of a minor, causing a minor to participate in real or simulated sexually explicit conduct or exhibition of sexual organs, including through electronic equipment.
In court, it transpired that Serrano used the name “Mark Vella” when communicating with the alleged victim over Snapchat.
The man allegedly contacted the minor and requested indecent images from her, knowing that she was under age.
The man denied the charges.
Bail was not requested at this stage and the man was remanded in custody.
Magistrate Monica Vella presided.
AG lawyers Miriayah Borg and Miguel Taliana prosecuted, assisted by police inspector Mario Xiberras.
Lawyer Daniel Calleja appeared for the accused.