A young man with a penchant for underage girls was placed under probation and ordered to undergo treatment for his psychological problem after admitting in court to having defiled three minors entrusted to his care.

The man from Msida, whose name is not being revealed so as to protect the identity of his victims, was accused of having corrupted the girls and of having used his computer to access child porn.

The accused had befriended his victims, one of whom was his partner's daughter, and allegedly engaged in sexual activity with them when the three were entrusted to his care.

The court, presided by Magistrate Audrey Demicoli, heard how the man used to kiss and fondle the girls without however removing their clothes. On one occasion he kissed one of his victims' neck.

Acting upon the recommendations of a pre-sentencing report, the court, after declaring the accused guilty, placed him under a probation order for 3 years.

Bearing in mind the accused's current employment and noting his attempt to maintain a normal life, even thanks to his current partner, the court declared that a probation order would be more appropriate than a jail term.

The court also ordered the accused to be placed under a three-year treatment order so as to help him overcome his psychological problem related to his sexual obsession.

A Protection Order valid for three years was also issued in favour of the victims and their families.

The court further ordered that the accused's name be registered under the sexual offender's list.

Inspectors Joseph Busuttil and Roderick Agius prosecuted.

Lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri were defence counsel.