Maltese parents charged with possessing pornographic images of their own children, defiling minors
In a shocking case yesterday morning, a Maltese husband and wife were charged in court separately after being found in possession of sexually suggestive images of their own children.
The couple were reportedly found with over 70 photos and videos showing their children, aged three-and-a-half and oneand-a-half years old, touching their father, 33, and his private parts. The material also showed the children showering with their parents and other nudity.
Those present in the court room reported that the wife, 34, appeared in court clutching two photos of her small children.
Prosecuting Inspector Joseph Busuttil told the court that the majority of the images showed the father naked with the children. Magistrate Josette Demicoli is presiding over the case.
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The pair were charged with corruption of minors together with producing, possessing or distributing child pornography. Busuttil put forward a request for a treatment order in favour of the parents and a protection order in favour of the children.
He was heard telling the court that the husband and wife took turns being in the photos and film with their children. The pair were apparently heading for separation, but their relationship is now on the mend.
Appoġġ, the state child protection agency, had been alerted to the situation by the woman’s school. The mother had apparently discussed separation proceedings with her colleagues.
The Romanian-born mother told Magistrate Demicoli that she had recently begun working with a summer school as a child-care support worker for autistic children. She pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against her.
The father was represented by Lawyer Benjamin Valenzia. Lawyer Cynthia Tomasuolo represented the mother. Both put forward a request for bail, which was ultimately denied.
The prosecution objected to the request for bail over fear that there could be witness tampering, such as with the children or the person who developed the photos.
Valenzia stressed that the children were safely being cared for at Appoġġ and the photos were evidence themselves, which could not be tampered with.
All names have been banned for publication to protect the identity of the children.