A 48-year-old man from Vittoriosa was charged in court with sexually assaulting a vulnerable 19-year-old woman last Friday.

Lawrence Mangion pleaded not guilty to violent indecent assault, holding the young woman against her will and harassing her in Senglea at about 5pm.

Lawyer Joseph Ellis, for Mr Mangion, made a request for bail arguing that his client was presumed innocent and that he could bind himself not to approach the alleged victim. He added that his client was maintaining that there was a consensual relationship with the woman.

However, Inspector Josric Mifsud said he was concerned that Mr Mangion would approach the victim, who was vulnerable. He added that a psychological assessment was being carried out to determined the extent of her vulnerability.

Moreover, he said, there was the risk that the alleged victim might go to Mr Mangion's house.

In light of this Magistrate Aaron Bugeja denied the request of bail at this stage and ordered that the woman is brought to testify in the next sitting.
The magistrate ordered a ban on the publication of the name of the victim as well as details about her vulnerability.