Woman accuses embassy employee of rape

A Maltese woman whose husband found out their daughter was not his has accused a Libyan Embassy employee of raping her during a party three-and-a-half years ago, a court was told yesterday.

Allegedly took advantage when she was intoxicated

The woman, who cannot be named by court order, only made the accusations when she found out that, during separation proceedings, her husband had carried out a DNA test on their daughter and established it was not his, the court was told.

The 35-year-old official, who lives in Birkirkara, allegedly took advantage of the woman during a party when she was intoxicated and lay unconscious on a bed, police sources said.

The accused stood in the dock crying, clutching a packet of cigarettes and an asthma inhaler as the proceedings got under way.

Defence lawyer Chris Cardona said the woman only decided to speak up after her husband surprised her with the DNA test.

She was only pressing the police to take action because of her marital problems, Dr Cardona said, adding that if his client was remanded in custody it would be an injustice.

Police Inspectors Louise Calleja and Elton Taliana objected to bail because there had been attempts at contacting one of the witnesses.

Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit granted the accused bail against a personal guarantee of €20,000 and a deposit of €400. She also warned him of the dire consequences of breaching bail conditions.