A learning support assistant at a Gozo primary school was yesterday acquitted of sexually abusing an 11-year-old girl with intellectual disabilities.

Welcoming the decision, the Malta Union of Teachers accused the girl’s parents of making up the case after the LSA reported a burn on the minor’s body.

However, the parents’ legal counsel refuted the claim, branding it “false and unfounded”.

The sexual abuse report had already reached the Education Department when the alleged burn was flagged to the school head, the parents said.

Magistrate Joe Mifsud pointed out that conflicting versions of the events were given by the two sides.

The incident occurred four years ago.

He questioned several aspects of the investigation, including why the police vice squad was never involved and why no psychologist was appointed to provide a report to the court on the girl’s condition.

In addition, no explanation was given about the burn on the girl’s body, the magistrate noted.

The court said the prosecution had failed to corroborate the girl’s claims beyond a reasonable doubt.

The only conclusion it could draw was that the learning support assistant was not guilty.