A 56-year-old man was yesterday charged with regularly defiling a young girl.

Joseph Vassallo of Birkirkara pleaded not guilty to defiling the girl in 2006 and 2007 when she was between six and eight years of age.

He also filed a not-guilty plea to holding her against her will, committing a violent act against her and offending public morals in Marsascala.

Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani heard the case behind closed doors.

Police Inspector Raymond Aquilina prosecuted. Lawyer Noel Camilleri represented Mr Vassallo while lawyer Joe Mifsud appeared in parte civile.

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