A 60-year-old man has been jailed for three years for defiling a girl for four years since she was 12 years old.

The man, whose name is not being published by court order to protect the identity of the girl, admitted to defiling the girl and carrying out sexual acts with her as well as violent indecent assault.

Police Inspector Sylvana Briffa told the court how the girl informed police that her parents' friend had been defiling her since she was 12 until she turned 16. When he was alone with her at her house he would touch her private parts. As time passed she started going to his house to help him with the cleaning and, there, the sexual activities continued.

Ms Briffa said that the accused confirmed that he engaged in sexual activities with the girl and said they watched pornography during these acts. He also gave the girl cigarettes and alcohol.

The inspector said that the man had said he was sorry.

His legal aid lawyer, Joseph Ellis, also said the man showed his remorse and was willing to pay for his actions.

Magistrate Gabriella Vella took note of the submissions made and also noted that the accused filed an early guilty plea and cooperated with police.

She jailed him for three years and ordered him not to approach the victim for three years that start once he leaves jail.