Child porn suspect granted bail

A 46-year-old public officer who visits state schools regularly was granted bail after being charged with possession of child pornography, allegedly found on three hard drives in his possession.

Thousands of images of children were allegedly found on the three hard disks which the prosecution says belong to Peter Paul Vella from Nadur.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail by Magistrate Paul Coppini against a personal guarantee of €1,000. He was ordered to sign at his local police station.

Mr Vella was charged with being in possession of film or video recording of minors in compromising situations, the police said yesterday, two days after the case was taken to court.

The Għarb local council said Mr Vella did not teach at the locality's primary school, insisting that the man was not on the school's payroll but visited all the state schools in Gozo in his official capacity.

It is not yet known whether the children featuring in the incriminating images are Maltese.

Police Inspector Frank Tabone prosecuted.

Lawyer Angele Formosa appeared for Mr Vella.