A prison warder charged with sexually abusing two underage detainees has been granted bail.

The warder was remanded in custody upon his arraignment but was released on Thursday following the testimony of both alleged victims.

Joseph Zammit, 52, from Kirkop, had been charged with aggravated rape, participation in sexual acts with underage persons, harassment, and committing a crime he was duty bound to prevent.

The man allegedly committed the wrongdoing during office hours while working as a warder at the Young Offenders’ Unit.

The abuse came to light when the 15-year old girl spoke up about the warder who pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

As the compilation of evidence continued, the court, presided over by magistrate Audrey Demicoli, having held two sittings behind closed doors in which both minors testified, granted the accused bail against a deposit of €10,000 and a personal guarantee of €5,000.

Lawyer Franco Debono and Amadeus Cachia were defence counsel, while lawyer Raisa Colombo appeared parte civile.