A man was arraigned on Saturday and remanded in custody after being charged with defiling a 13-year-old girl in a hotel in Qawra.
Nigerian Paul Adeolu, 35, pleaded not guilty to defiling the girl who was in Malta on holiday with her family.
The arraignment was held behind closed doors due to video conferencing, where the girl testified against Mr Adelou.
Magistrate Lawrence Quintano remanded the accused in custody after taking into consideration the seriousness of the charges. Police Inspector Edmond Cuschieri prosecuted. Lawyer Mark Busutill appeared for Mr Adelou.