Newsbook
By Monique Agius
Monday August 28, 2023
Photo by DANNY G on Unsplash
A 32-year-old man pleaded not guilty after he was charged with attempted rape on Sunday morning.
The Somali national was arraigned before magistrate Noel Bartolo, and accused of attempting to rape a woman on 19 July. He was further charged with holding a person against her will, and causing her to fear the use of violence against her.
Prosecutor Cynthia Tomasuolo requested a ban on the name of the victim and her place of work. The defence agreed, adding that the accused’s name should also be banned from publication.
The court upheld the prosecution’s request but denied the defence.
Police inspector Antonello Magri told the court that the man was during a meeting with the victim when he made unwelcome sexual advances towards her.
The woman pushed him away trying to leave the room, when he pushed her back on the sofa and tried to rape her. However, the woman managed to escape and get to the police station before he could do so.
Magri explained that while the incident happened some weeks ago, the man was receiving treatment at Mount Carmel Hospital.
It was only when he was certified fit for interrogation and arraignment, that the police questioned the suspect.
No bail was requested by legal aid lawyer Mattia Felice, who explained that the unemployed man, does not have a fixed address.
The court also issued a protection order in favour of the victim, and warned the man that if he breaches the order, hw would be fined €7,000.
The man was remanded in custody with the court recommending that the man is held in the forensic unit, and continues to receive treatment.