Father denies sexually abusing his six-year-old daughter<\/p>\n
A 46-year-old man from Żejtun was brought to court on Monday accused of defiling his six-year-old daughter.<\/p>\n
Police investigations were triggered over alleged sexually explicit Whatsapp messages sent by the man, who lives in Żejtun, to his young daughter.<\/p>\n
In a packed courtroom, the man pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him. <\/p>\n
The court, presided by Magistrate Elaine Rizzo, heard how police received a report from Child Protection Services concerning a six-year-old girl. <\/p>\n
The report raised concerns over WhatsApp messages allegedly sent by the accused, who cannot be named by court order, to his daughter. <\/p>\n
Prosecutors described the messages as containing sexual undertones and connotations.<\/p>\n
The child had also told social workers that her father would at times expose himself to her and ask her to touch him, the court was told.<\/p>\n
A forensic interview with the minor was subsequently carried out. In this interview, the child confirmed the allegations and further details emerged.<\/p>\n
The man was arrested on Saturday by officers from the Żejtun police station when he went to sign a bailbook at the station. <\/p>\n
The court heard that police had previously struggled to locate him, as the address listed for him was a room near a field and officers had never found him there despite repeated attempts.<\/p>\n
He was then arrested.<\/p>\n
The man had previously served a prison sentence for theft and is currently appealing time for aggravated possession of drugs.<\/p>\n
The defence, led by lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri, did not request bail.<\/p>\n
A protection order was issued in favour of the child.<\/p>\n