A 65-year-old man was yesterday charged with raping and defiling his 13-year-old granddaughter.

Magistrate Francesco Depasquale heard the man plead not guilty to the charges.

The magistrate ordered a ban on the publication of the man’s name to protect the minor. Initially the arraignment took place in open court.

Lawyer Ludvic Caruana, who represented the accused, asked for bail and argued that there was no fear that his client would try to run away or influence witnesses who were mainly the victim and her mother.

Dr Caruana argued that his client had known about his arraignment two months ago. Staff from the government support agency Appoġġ, who looked into the abuse allegations, had told him they would refer the case to the police.

At this point, Police Inspector Louise Calleja, prosecuting, asked that the case would continue to be heard behind closed doors as intimate details could emerge during submissions on bail.

The magistrate upheld the request.

No other details about the case are being published to protect the girl.

The man was granted bail against a €500 deposit and a personal guarantee of €20,000.