Politically exposed man guilty of harassment; name withheld to protect career

A 59-year-old man from Switzerland was handed a two-year prison sentence suspended for three years on Monday afternoon, after pleading guilty to sexually harassing a cleaner.

The court approved the defence's request to ban the publication of the accused man’s name on the basis that he is a politically exposed person, and the incident could have a serious impact on his career.

Police inspector Kelsey Bugeja told the court that a cleaner at the Corinthia St George's Bay hotel was cleaning the man’s room on Sunday morning when he asked for a coffee, which she brought for him.

She finished cleaning the room and began cleaning the opposite room. The man followed her out and requested a bottle of water.

The woman returned to his room with the water and found him naked. While she tried to leave the room, the man grabbed her and began kissing her neck and face.

The woman eventually managed to get out and find another employee before reporting the guest to the hotel’s HR department.

The police were called, and the man was arraigned on Monday afternoon.

It is understood that the man arrived in Malta on Saturday.

In court, the man was accused of harassing the woman by subjecting her to acts with sexual connotations and attempting to use force against her. He admitted the charges.

The prosecution did not object to the request banning the publication of the man’s name on the condition the victim’s identity was also protected.

The court upheld the request.

The man was handed a two-year prison sentence suspended for three years.

A three-year restraining order was issued in favour of the victim.

Magistrate Leonard Caruana presided.

Police inspectors Nico Zarb and Kelsey Bugeja prosecuted.

Lawyer Raphael Fenech Adami appeared for the accused.