Man accused of running a brothel

A man, whose name and particulars cannot be published by court order, was yesterday accused of living off prostitution and running a brothel, among other offences.

The accused pleaded not guilty.

Police Inspector Raymond Aquilina charged the man before Magistrate Joseph Apap Bologna with forcing, through violence or encouragement, two women to prostitute themselves.

The man was accused of allowing a premises to be used for prostitution and with living in whole or in part on the earnings from prostitution.

He was also charged with being in possession of a firearm without a permit and with making alterations to the firearm.

Inspector Aquilina also charged the man with making one of the women fear that violence would be used against her and with annoying, through his behaviour, the two women.

The court accepted a request by the prosecution to nominate an expert to carry out an inventory of the property of the accused. Vincent Galea was nominated for this purpose.

Magistrate Apap Bologna banned publication of the names and personal details of the accused and the other persons involved in the case.

The accused was remanded in custody pending the evidence of certain witnesses.