A 23-year-old man was remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to engaging in sexual acts with a 14-year-old boy and involvement in child pornography.

Alexio Camilleri, unemployed, was taken to court on Thursday to face charges including of participating in sexual activities with the underage boy, producing pornographic material featuring minors, and misuse of electronic communication equipment.

Prosecuting inspectors Joseph Busuttil and Stacy Attard told the court that the man had a “friends with benefits type” relationship with the boy, whom he would contact to meet for sex and then pay him some €220.

Although few other details emerged during the arraignment, the accused allegedly exchanged indecent images with four other underage persons.

Defence lawyer Luciano Busuttil requested bail, saying the accused could be kept under house arrest if necessary. He asked for a ban on publication of the name as the victims were well acquainted with the accused and could be identified through him.

However, bail was objected to by the prosecution in view of the fact that five minors were still to testify and possibly others emerging in the course of ongoing investigations.

As for the request for banning the man’s name from publication, Inspector Busuttil said that while it was true that the accused knew the minors, their relationship was not such as to expose the alleged victims to identification.

“Those outside their circles wouldn’t know. Those within already know.”

“They’re friends with benefits. He’d call them up and pay for sex. The other four he’d exchange photos with on social media. This wouldn’t be helped by house arrest,” added the inspector.

The court denied the request for a ban on publication, saying the necessary elements required at law were not present. The court also turned the request for bail in view of the fact that civilian witnesses were still to testify and also on account of ongoing investigations by the police.