A man has been sentenced to one year imprisonment suspended for two after pleading guilty to sexually harassing a colleague who works in his same government department. 

Carmelo Desira, 61, from Qormi, pleaded guilty to violently and indecently assaulting his female colleague in February this year at the department in Valletta. He also pleaded guilty to sexual harassment, offending public morals and harassing her on several occasions.

He also pleaded guilty to violent indecent assault on a colleague who was a vulnerable person due to mental health reasons. 

The court heard how the two, who are both married, began flirting at work. All was fine until the two upped their friendship, with comments and actions of a sexual nature. However, when the female colleague realised what was happening and felt it was getting out of hand, with his sexual advances were becoming more frequent, asked him to stop. 

Despite telling him to stop, Mr Desira did not and his action degenerated into sexual harassment and violent assault. 

Before Magistrate Audrey Demicoli, Mr Desira apologised for his actions and admitted to the charges brought against him.

The court also issued an 18-month protection order in favour of the woman.

Police Inspector Joseph Busuttil prosecuted while lawyers Veronique Dalli and Dean Hili appeared for the man.