Neil Cutajar, 20, from San Gwann was today sentenced to three years imprisonment after admitting to taking part in sexual acts with a girl who was under 15 years of age, and of being in possession of indecent photos of the girl.

The accused refused legal aid, telling the court that he saw no point in having a defence lawyer since he was admitting all charges.

Police Inspector Matthew Spagnol told Magistrate Josette Demicoli that the police had received a report of a disturbance in Valletta. When officers went on site they found a group of youths and the victim told them she had been "raped" by the accused.

Mr Cutajar said that their relationship was by mutual consent and that he even had the blessing of her mother who had also consented to them living under the same roof. He said he has been unemployed for the last two months.

The accused refused the option of the case being heard in a trial by jury and asked for the Magistrate to hand down the sentence there and then.

Asked once again if he was pleading guilty, in view of the fact that this would result in a jail term, the accused did not budge from his position.

"I admit I did wrong and am ready to pay for what I did," he told the presiding Magistrate. He kept his calm and at times even had a smile on his face.