An Italian man who earlier this month had fought attempts to extradite him to his homeland appears to have changed his mind. 

Alessandro Ponti, 45 and from Rogno, is wanted in Italy, where he is expected to serve time in prison over charges of rape and domestic violence.

Having first refused to be extradited, he has now told a Maltese court that he was no longer withholding his consent to be sent back to Italy.

Mr Ponti was remanded in custody by magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech two days ago following this move, to await his repatriation ten days from the date of judgment.

A Brescia court had issued a European Arrest Warrant for Mr Ponti in May, with an alert on the Schengen Information System issued in July. The man was living in Marsascala. 

Inspector Christopher Galea Scannura prosecuted.