A 74-year-old man was kept under arrest on Sunday after pleading guilty to sexually abusing a child, paying a child for oral sex and painting children in compromising positions with adults.

Michael Charles Muscat, from Birzebbugia, had already served six years in prison for similar charges. He had learnt to paint while in prison.

Mr Muscat decided to brush up his skills outside of prison by painting numerous pictures of children having sex with adults, the court was told.

He was also paying a 13-year-old boy for oral sex.

The court was presented with multiple paintings, as well as video recordings from August 2017, and statements from the man given to the police.

Mr Muscat sat aloof and motionless as his lawyer explained that he did not contest the arrest and pleaded guilty to the charges.

Asked whether his mother and father were still alive, Mr Muscat said “I don’t know. I don't know where they are”.

The case was deferred until September 13, since an inquiry has not been concluded.