Girl, 17, ready to drop indecent assault charge

Indian-born Benny Valiyakandthil, 38, today pleaded not guilty to committing a violent indecent assault on a 17-year-old girl from Germany in Rudolph Street, Sliema.

The incident happened yesterday at about 8.50 p.m.outside an Internet cafe’.

Magistrate Myriam Hayman heared defence lawyer Patrick Valentino argue that the girl, a language student, was ready to withdraw the accusations as long as the accused did not approach her.

Magistrate Hayman after considering the girl’s intention to withdraw the accusation, granted him bail against a guarantee of €2,000.

Accused of drug trafficking

Dustin Caruana, 20 of Tarxien was arraigned in court today and accused of possession and trafficking heroin last Saturday and on previous days. He pleaded not guilty.

Police Inspector Jesmond Borg told the court that there were more witnesses to be heard and he therefore asked the court to deny bail. Defence lawyer David Gatt asked the court to consider that only 5 grams of heroin were found in possession of the accused.

The accused was remanded in custody.