A 24-year-old man was given a two-year jail term suspended for four years and fined Lm300 after he confessed to a violent indecent assault on a 19-year-old girl.

Magistrate Doreen Clarke handed down the judgement after she heard that the woman had never intended that criminal action be taken against the accused.

On Tuesday, Paul Vassallo, of Kirkop, was arraigned and pleaded guilty to holding the girl against her will and slightly injuring her in Kirkop.

Magistrate Clarke heard the girl testify behind closed doors.

After taking note of the early guilty plea, the clean criminal record and the fact that the accused cooperated with the police, the magistrate imposed a suspended jail term and fined him Lm300.

Police Inspectors Louise Calleja and Walter Spiteri prosecuted.

Lawyers Jason Azzopardi and Kris Busietta appeared for Mr Vassallo.