A priest facing sex abuse charges was yesterday released on bail for a second time after the alleged victims testified against him in the Gozo courts yesterday.

The case is being heard behind closed doors.

Fr Jesmond Gauci, 38, from Xagħra was charged three weeks ago and was granted bail together with a ban on the publication of any details regarding the case.

The police and Attorney General appealed Magistrate Paul Coppini’s decisions, which were overturned by Judge Michael Mallia.

Mr Justice Mallia said that the revocation of the bail was temporary and could be given once the victims testified.

During the sitting yesterday, the victims testified, paving the way for the priest’s release.

Fr Gauci served as a religion teacher at a boys’ secondary school in Malta and, according to an Education Ministry spokesman, he has since been barred from entering classrooms until the court proceedings are over.

The charges relate to crimes which allegedly took place in Gozo and were unrelated to his work at the school.

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