Teenage ‘prostitute’ held in custody after quitting shelter

A 17-year-old girl facing prostitution charges was yesterday remanded in custody after failing to adhere to conditions imposed on her by a magistrate to make sure that she did not stray from the straight and narrow.

The girl, who cannot be named by court order, stands accused of loitering with the intent of prostituting herself and had been released on bail provided that she stick to certain conditions, such as residing at a shelter.

But she left the shelter, a move instantly questioned by Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit when proceedings got underway yesterday.

As she silently stood in the dock, her lawyer Peter Fenech spoke about the case with the magistrate saying that they had done all they could for her and highlighted that this was the third time she had disobeyed the conditions.

The lawyer said her mother was also present, to which the magistrate said that she wanted to see her.

The magistrate asked her if she had any sort of control over her daughter.

The mother said she did but the magistrate remarked sarcastically that it was not showing. The woman then conceded that the girl did as she pleased.

Magistrate Stafrace Zammit remanded her in custody until the next sitting and also asked the prison authorities to give her any medical attention she might need.