A 20-year-old man was yesterday jailed for three years after insisting that he wanted to redeem himself for taking part in sexual activities with a 13-year-old girl with whom he was cohabiting.

Neil Cutajar, 20, from San Ġwann, was also charged with being in possession of pornographic material. Sources told this newspaper that a video of the victim was found on the accused’s mobile phone.

Refusing legal aid, he was arraigned before Magistrate Josette Demicoli by inspectors Matthew Spagnol and Roderick Spiteri.

Throughout the proceedings, Mr Cutajar repeatedly refused legal aid, telling the court that he saw no point in having a defence lawyer since he was admitting to all charges.

In spite of the seriousness of the charges brought against him, his calmness and eagerness for the proceedings to be over and learn about his punishment were clear.

The prosecution said the case came to light a few days ago when the police received a report of some disturbances in Valletta. When officers went on site they found a group of youths, the victim among them, who said she had been “raped” by the accused.

Mr Cutajar said his relationship was by mutual consent and that he even had the blessing of her mother, who had also consented to their co-habitation.

The accused refused the option of the case being heard in a trial by jury and asked for the magistrate to hand down the sentence immediately.

Asked once again if he was pleading guilty, in view of the fact that this would result in a jail term, the accused did not budge from his position.

“I admit I did wrong and am ready to pay for what I did,” he told the presiding magistrate.

Before exiting the courtroom to start serving his three-year sentence, the 20-year-old, who appeared relieved, gave the thumbs-up sign to the presiding magistrate, seemingly satisfied with the outcome.