A man who allegedly tried to force himself upon a woman in a Valletta street was remanded in custody on Wednesday after pleading not guilty to the sexual assault.

Christopher Ellul, a 50-year old electrician from Valletta, was accused of a non-consensual sexual act, with having offended public morals, harassment as well as holding a woman against her will.

He was further charged with having breached two probation orders.

The court was told that the alleged incident took place on November 14 in East Street.

Mr Ellul reportedly approached the woman, insisting that he wanted to speak to her. When the woman tried to shrug off the unwanted attention by claiming that she was in a hurry, he pushed her against a wall, trying to kiss and grope her.

The woman managed to get away and ran to the Valletta police station to file a report.

Mr Ellul pleaded not guilty and requested bail. Inspector Daryl Borg objected, pointing out that he was a recidivist, having been convicted on similar charges and had allegedly breached two Probation Orders. Moreover, the victim was still to testify.

Defence lawyer Marion Camilleri countered that the charges were based on the woman’s allegations, noting further that her client ought not suffer for a past mistake.

“One mistake? Have a look at his criminal record,” Magistrate Joe Mifsud promptly remarked, handing over the document listing the accused’s past brushes with the law.

Having heard submissions by both parties, the court turned down the request for bail.