Police officer charged with raping, harassing fellow officer

A former policeman yesterday wept bitterly in the dock as he was arraigned on charges of rape and harassment of a fellow officer.

The accused’s lawyer, Alfred Abela, entered a plea of not guilty to charges of rape, illegal arrest, sexual harassment, and committing a crime he was duty-bound to prevent. The former policeman was charged with raping one officer and sexually assaulting another. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in the months leading up to the 8 March this year. Dr Abela asked the court to order a ban on publication of any of the details of the accused as this would have repercussions on the victims and their police work. “Otherwise, it would be impossible for the woman to continue with her job,” he said.

The prosecution agreed and seconded the request. The court, in view of the particular circumstances of the case, prohibited the press from publishing any of the details of the accused or his victim on all media.

The accused told the court that he was unemployed as he had resigned from the police force yesterday morning. He denied the charges.

The defence requested that in the first hearing of the case, the victim be summoned to testify in order that the court and the parties be able to establish their positions. The court upheld the request and ordered the prosecution to summon the victim in the next sitting, which will take place today.

Dr Abela also asked the court to order a social inquiry report and impose a treatment order “so that we can start working immediately.”

After approaching the bench and discussing the case out of earshot of the public, the prosecution said they would be objecting to bail on a number of grounds. The defence lawyer argued that the only reasons that could justify the accused being held in custody was the gravity of the offence. The prosecution told the court that it feared the accused would harm himself.

Bail was denied, but a request by the defence for the accused to be held at Mount Carmel’s Forensic Ward, was upheld.

A protection order was issued in favour of the female officers involved.