A Maltese man will be extradited to America to face charges of defiling a minor on several occasions over two years, a court ruled yesterday.

Lewis Muscat, who lived in the US for 40 years, will be extradited after Magistrate Joseph Apap Bologna concluded that Mr Muscat "has a clear case to answer in the court of the requesting state".

Mr Muscat, 56, is wanted by Californian authorities for 18 counts of defiling a girl between the age of nine and 11.

After evaluating documents and evidence presented in court and hearing the arguments brought forward by the defence and the prosecution, the magistrate ruled that the charge for which Mr Muscat was wanted was an extraditable offence.

He ordered that Mr Muscat be kept in custody to await his return and his extradition to the US.

He has 15 days during which he can appeal from the magistrate's decision or contest his case on a constitutional level.

Senior Counsel to the Republic Donatella Frendo Dimech conducted the prosecution together with Police Inspectors Raymond Aquilina, Noel Cutajar and Police Sergeant Kevan Azzopardi.

Lawyer Chris Soler and legal procurator Noel Bianco represented Mr Muscat.

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