A 30-year-old man was yesterday charged with starting a sexual relationship with a girl when she was 15.

Shukri Farag, from Algeria, but living in Sliema, pleaded not guilty to defiling the girl, facilitating her corruption, participating in sexual acts with her, committing the crime during the operative period of a suspended jail term and relapsing.

The girl, who has just turned 18, reported the matter to the police, who are also alleging that he has been living in Malta illegally because his visa had expired.

Magistrate Audrey Demicoli remanded Mr Farag in custody.

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