An Italian man who admitted to having sexual relations with a 16-year-old girl received a three-year conditional discharge yesterday.

Cristian Marchisciana, 20, of Gela, pleaded guilty to taking part in sexual acts with a minor on New Year’s Eve at a hotel in Paceville.

He was arrested after the girl’s mother filed a police report that her daughter was missing.

Mr Marchisciana’s arrest led to the arraignment of two Italian men who were sharing a hotel room with him after a police search revealed a piece of cannabis resin.

Giuseppe Castarelli, 21, and Orazio Cascino, 22, both pleaded guilty before Magistrate Miriam Hayman to the charges of simple possession of the drug.

Defence lawyer Mario de Marco said Mr Castarelli denied using the drug while Mr Cascino admitted to smoking a joint.

He also pointed out that the new drug reform would be enacted within days. Both men were conditionally discharged for two years.

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