A 21-year-old man has been granted bail after pleading not guilty to participating in sexual acts with three adolescent girls, the youngest of whom was 13 years old.

Syrian-born Qormi resident Omar Hinde was accused of committing a sexual act with a 15-year-old girl on the night of July 10 and four days prior with a 13-year-old. Moreover, the prosecution accused him of participating in sexual acts with another girl, aged 15, on a regular basis in June last year and during the previous months.

Sources told Times of Malta that the abuse was flagged by one of the girls, who had escaped from a home. Though she initially claimed of having been raped, she then revealed that she was in a relationship with the accused. Subsequently, the police found the contact details of the other two girls on his mobile phone.

During bail submissions, defence lawyer Martin Fenech argued that this was no case of defilement while pointing out that one of the girls had become a mother at a very tender age. He added that in the other two cases there was no evidence of sexual intercourse. On his part prosecuting officer inspector Joseph Busuttil objected for fear that the accused might approach the witnesses, who are yet to testify.

In its decision, the court presided by Magistrate Aaron Bugeja acceded to the bail request against a personal guarantee of €6,000. Furthermore, the defendant was ordered to remain indoors between 10pm and 6am and to report twice a week to the Qormi police station.