Man charged with having sexual relations with 15-year-old girl after ex-wife reports him

A 29-year-old man yesterday pleaded not guilty to charges of having sexual relations with a 15-year-old girl.

A court heard how the man, whose name cannot be published, was reported by his exwife.

Police Inspector John Spiteri, prosecuting, told Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit that there had been rumours about the alleged sexual affair in the village where the man lives.

The inspector said the court should not grant bail because the man might approach the girl. He also said that the man had boasted that he would not be taken to court because he knew the girl’s family.

Defence lawyer Kathleen Grima said that the victim had not filed a report and it appeared that the sex had been consensual. But Inspector Spiteri said that the girl’s mother had been far from happy to learn what had taken place and wanted the police to press charges. Bail was denied.