A young priest was granted bail this afternoon after being arraigned before a magistrate in Gozo to face charges of child molestation.

The priest, believed to be in his thirties, covered his face as he was taken to court.

It is understood that he was accused of sexual abuse involving three girls in Gozo.

The sitting was held held behind closed doors following a request by lawyer Carmelo Galea. Reporters were ordered out of the courtroom. The court also banned publication of the priest's name.

Following the granting of bail, the priest left the courtroom accompanied by his lawyer. He did not cover his face.

This was the first arraignment of a cleric since two former priests were imprisoned in November 2012 after they lost their appeal against abuse convictions.

Godwin Scerri and Charles Pulis, formerly members of the Missionary Society of St Paul, were sentenced to five and six years imprisonment respectively for sexually abusing boys in their care at St Joseph Home in Sta Venera.

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