An Indonesian woman who was engaged to work as a careworker for an elderly man in Sliema had her passport taken away and she was ill-treated by the man's son, who also did not pay her, a court heard today.

Harish Daswani, 38, born in St Julians but of Indian descent, was accused of human trafficking with the intent to labour exploitation, threatening the woman and breaching employment laws.

The court heard that the woman, Oriance Kelin, was brought to Malta through a recruitment agency and hired to care for the Mr Daswani's elderly father.

The prosecution is alleging that she was exploited. Her passport was taken away by Mr Daswani and her pay was withheld. She was also repeatedly threatened with violence against her over several months.

Mr Daswani is pleading not guilty. He was granted bail against a deposit of €2,000 and a personal guarantee of €5,000.