Man accused of raping partner's 11-year-old daughter

A 34 year old salesman has been remanded in custody after he was accused of raping his partner's 11 year old daughter over the span of several years.

The man was accused of raping the girl repeatedly in the most brutal manner, corrupting a minor, participating in sex acts with an underage girl and misuse of electronic communications equipment.

The man, who the court prohibited from being named in order to protect the identity of his victims, pleaded not guilty.

Bail was requested. There was no fear of him escaping from Malta. Had just found a new job and  there was no risk of him speaking to witnesses, especially if the court prohibits him, argued his lawyer, Rachel Tua.

Inspector Eman Hayman and Roxanne Tabone, prosecuting, argued that the nature of the crimes, which took place over a long time, militated against the man's release. He used his position as a father figure to turn the girl into a sex object, Hayman said.

 "Up till recently the accused would continue to meet with the child even after the breakup of his relationship with her mother," said the inspector. On one recent occasion, he had taken her to a football match and had sex with the child in his car.

The child still seeks him out for sex, explained Hayman. She is 13 today.

Lawyer Rachel Tua entered a not guilty plea for the accused. She argued that 13 year olds today aren't what they used to be and are more sexually active and aware. The girl had sent him nude photographs of herself to the accused, added the lawyer.

The court, in view of there still being civilian witnesses to testify including the girl herself, it would not be opportune to grant bail.

 

from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2OikRvq
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