Teacher is accused of defiling student

A soldier who teaches music in band clubs across the island was remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to having sex with one of his students in April and in previous months.

Sources close to the case said a relationship between the two started when the girl was 12 and that the parents got to know about it from her cousin when their daughter had already turned 13.

Defence lawyer Noel Camilleri asked for a ban on the publication of his client’s name, arguing that the case involved a minor. Magistrate Audrey Demicoli turned down the request.

Police Inspector Melvyn Camilleri insisted that the only link between 41-year-old Mario Testa of Qormi and the victim was that he used to teach her.

He also called for Mr Testa to be remanded in custody because none of the witnesses had testified yet and they frequented the same places. This, he said, might lead to the tampering of evidence.

Mr Testa pleaded not guilty to defiling the girl, facilitating her corruption, participating in sexual acts with her and committing a crime he was in duty bound to prevent.

The case will be held behind closed doors.

Lawyers José Herrera and Veronique Dalli are appearing for the girl’s parents.