A 54-year-old man was yesterday charged with defiling a 17-year-old and holding the youth against his will in Marsa.

The man, whose name cannot be published by court order, pleaded not guilty to all the charges brought against him, including holding the teen, who is from Senegal, against his will last Sunday.

He also pleaded not guilty of violent indecent assault, slightly injuring the youth and defiling him.

The arraignment, presided over by Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit, took place behind closed doors due to the sensitivity of the case.

The accused man was granted bail against a €300 deposit and a personal ­guarantee of €20,000.

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