Accused of defiling three boys close to police station

A 22-year-old drug user was yesterday charged with defiling his 10-year-old brother and their two underage cousins when he exposed himself indecently at a playground in Żabbar over the weekend.

Magistrate Joseph Apap Bologna banned almost every detail of the man's identity to protect the alleged victims, allowing only his age to be published.

The young brother had been with his cousins, aged 11 and 13, when the accused allegedly pulled his pants down and began touching himself in front of them, not far from the Żabbar police station on Sunday at 7 p.m., police sources said.

Defence lawyer Mark Busuttil tried unsuccessfully to secure bail as Police Inspector Fabian Fleri, prosecuting, told the court the accused had breached bail on a previous case and had been given a number of chances to reform.

The officer also pointed out the accused had a drug problem, adding that his criminal record showed he could not keep himself out of trouble.

Police Inspector Melvyn Camilleri also prosecuted.