Teacher charged with defiling minor student for five years
Bail refused as court hears the alleged sexual abuse happened between 2019 and 2024
A 66-year-old teacher has pleaded not guilty to defiling a young student during private lessons over a five-year period.
Police inspector Ryan Vella told the court that on February 13, a police report had been filed by a minor claiming she had been sexually abused by her private lessons teacher between 2019 and 2024.
The minor told the police inspector from the Vice Squad that the aggressor groped her, touching her genitals, undressed her and groped her breasts. On one occasion, the man allegedly kissed her on the lips.
The minor has ADHD and autism, the police inspector added.
Innocent Sciberras from Żebbuġ pleaded not guilty to committing non-consensual sexual acts on a minor, who was under the age of 15 and has mental conditions making her a vulnerable victim.
He was accused of defiling the girl who was entrusted to him as a private lessons teacher, and sexually harassing her.
Defence lawyer Leslie Cuschieri requested a ban on the publication of the accused’s name saying that accused and the family of the alleged victim were good friends, and used to hang out together, which could lead to the minor being identified.
Prosecutor Darlene Grima objected saying that the alleged victim cannot be identified if the man’s name is published, and the request was being done to protect the accused.
The court rejected the request given that there was no valid reason at law.
Cuschieri then requested bail noting that the alleged offences were carried out between 2019 and 2024. He argued that the alleged victim had already given her version to the police.
The prosecution objected, with police inspector Dorianne Tabone noting that after the minor spoke to the police she found the man allegedly waiting for her at the school drop-off to give her a present.
“He already tried to influence and bribe the witness without having any charges against him,” Grima said, as Cuschieri argued the alleged offences happened a while ago.
After hearing the submissions, the court denied the man bail given the serious nature of the charges and the fact that the alleged victim, who is still a minor, has not yet testified and neither has her family.
Magistrate Giannella Camilleri Busuttil presided.
AG lawyer Darlene Grima prosecuted, assisted by police inspectors Ryan Vella and Dorianne Tabone.
Lawyer Leslie Cuschier appeared for the accused.