Hotel manager charged with defiling boy, 14

A hotel manager was granted bail yesterday after pleading not guilty to defiling a 14-year-old boy and participating in other sexual acts with him.

The man, 46, who manages a 5-star hotel, cannot be named by court order to protect the identity of the victim.

The acts are alleged to have happened in Msida and other places around the island this month and earlier. Lawyer Anthony Cutajar, representing the man, requested bail on the grounds that his client has a full-time job and lives with his elderly parents, adding that the accused would follow harsh bail conditions.

Magistrate Michael Mallia granted the man bail on condition that he signs the bail book twice a week at his local police station and that he does not approach the boy. The magistrate bound him against a deposit of €1,000 and a personal guarantee of €1,000.

Police Inspector Graziella Muscat prosecuted.