Man charged with defiling daughter, 9

A 53-year-old man who was yesterday charged with defiling his nine-year-old daughter told a magistrate that these were allegations made up by his estranged wife to get back at him.

The man was arraigned over the violent indecent assault of his daughter and defiling her on and before October, 2005.

Speaking from the dock, the man pleaded not guilty and told Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani that his wife had invented everything.

His lawyer, Edward Gatt, added that the woman had started making allegations that her husband had sexually molested the girl. He added that it could not be a coincidence that the accusations started when a pending court case was taking a particular twist.

But Police Inspector Louise Calleja said she had spoken to the minor alone and the girl confirmed the allegations.

The man was granted bail on condition he does not leave his home without permission from the court. He was bound by a personal guarantee of Lm2,000.

The name of the man is not being published by court order, to protect the identity of the minor.