A man accused of raping a 12-year-old girl yesterday has insisted he never met the child in question.

Alhasan Ali, a 29-year-old who lives in Marsascala, stands charged with sexually abusing the child in Qormi yesterday. 

He denied the accusation and said that he never met the girl and only spoke to her through an online messaging app. 

Doctors have conducted a DNA test, with the accused telling the court the test results would prove him right. 

Mr Ali also stands accused of robbing a patron inside a Paceville establishment last January. 

The court denied him bail, noting that he presented a flight risk, and remanded him in police custody. 

Josette Sultana was legal aid. Inspectors John Spiteri and Kylie Borg prosecuted. 

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