A 31-year-old from Hamrun this morning pleaded not guilty to defiling and corrupting the 13-year-old best friend of his niece.

Defence lawyer Jose Herrera told Magistrate Joseph Apap Bologna that the girl was obsessed with his client and even tried to run away from home to be with him.

“However, you cannot corrupt somebody who has already been corrupted,” Dr Herrera said adding that the girl had previous sexual relationships and the relationship between her and his client was completely consensual.

Police inspector Melvin Camilleri said the lawyer was mistaken and this was the girl’s first sexual experience.

Magistrate Joseph Apap Bologna remanded the accused in custody because of the risk of tampering with evidence.

The accused is not being named to defend the identity of the alleged victim.

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