A 10-year-old boy who was allegedly sexually abused by an assistant school principal and official of a catechist society yesterday testified behind closed doors.

The boy gave his version of events via video conference.

Anthony Callus, 46, of Siġġiewi, assistant head of the church’s St Michael’s school in Santa Venera and treasurer of the Christian doctrine society MUSEUM, is pleading not guilty to defiling the boy, violent indecent assault, harassment and offending public morals.

The incident allegedly happened during a swimming outing two Sundays ago near the Splash and Fun water park in Baħar ic-Ċagħaq.

During the arraignment, Police Inspector Josric Mifsud said Mr Callus allegedly lifted the boy out of the sea a number of times and held him in such a way so that his private parts would rub against the boy from behind.

A request for bail by defence lawyer Arthur Azzopardi could not be considered by Magistrate Audrey Demicoli because a written reply to the request had not yet arrived from the Attorney General’s Office. Mr Callus therefore remained in preventative custody.

The case continues.

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