A man who allegedly defiled five underage boys was remanded in custody after he was arraigned before a magistrate today. 

The 47-year old from Żebbuġ, was charged with the defilement of five minors, with having engaged in sexual activity with them and with having forced them to participate in sexual acts.

The man was also charged with with coercing a 13-year-old boy to take part in a pornographic show and with having produced or facilitated the circulation of indecent material.

Some of the offences date back years.

It was allegedly an explicit video of himself, sent to the 13-year old boy, which gave away the accused.

During today’s arraignment, legal procurator Peter Paul Zammit, as defence counsel, argued that although his client was in his forties, it was doubtful whether he had the IQ of a 14-year-old.

However, the prosecution was quick to point out that the man’s actions had brought about traumatic consequences for his victims, some of whom had since married. 

In view of the circumstances of the case, no request for bail was made and the court, presided over by Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech, remanded the man in custody.

Inspectors John Spiteri and Kylie Borg prosecuted. Peter Paul Zammit was defence counsel.