Alleged pimp 'has strong hold over minor'

A 22-year-old was yesterday denied bail because of the psychological control he is believed to have over his teenage girlfriend, a minor whom he is charged with forcing into prostitution.

Inspector Melvyn Camilleri told the court that Jonathan Sciberras, of Floriana, had a strong hold over the girl: He not only had sex with her but made her have sex for money with clients.

Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani accepted the prosecution's argument and denied him bail.

Mr Sciberras was also charged with falsifying identification and driving an unlicensed car.