Accused of raping partner's daughter

A 58-year-old man was yesterday charged with raping his partner's 19-year-old daughter at the house where they lived together.

The man pleaded not guilty to raping the young woman, who could not offer resistance due to a mental health condition.

He was also charged with violent indecent assault and holding the teenager against her will.

The incident allegedly took place on Tuesday.

During bail submissions, Magistrate Joseph Apap Bologna heard that the man had been with his partner for about nine years and they had a four-year-old son.

The alleged victim lived with him and her mother.

Police Inspector Louise Calleja, prosecuting together with Inspector Alexander Grech, explained that the young woman was "terrified" when she had gone to the police station. She had informed a nun about what happened and the nun had directed her towards a social worker who accompanied her to the police station.

The man was remanded in custody at this stage.

The name of the man is not being published in order to protect the identity of the victim.

Lawyer Veronique Dalli was defence counsel.