A 50-year-old man was remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to defiling three minors, participating in sexual activities with them and violent indecent assault on one of the youngsters.

The alleged crimes took place between 2004 and 2009 when the minors were between eight and 13 years old.

The man was born in Egypt but has been residing in Malta for the past 13 years.

Defence counsel Benjamin Valencia requested bail for his client but the prosecution strongly objected, mainly due to the nature of the crimes and the fact that the minors and other witnesses still have to testify.

He was remanded in custody.

The court, presided over by Magistrate Charmaine Galea, ordered a ban on the publication of all names and details of the case to protect the identity of the victims.

Police inspector Joseph Busuttil prosecuted.

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