Man pleads guilty to indecent assault

A 41-year-old man of Mellieha pleaded guilty to charges of violent indecent assault on a woman, whose name cannot be published by court order.

The incident happened in the early morning hours of 3 October, in St Paul's Bay. The man was also charged with relapsing.

In the pre-sentencing report, Probation Officer Odelsie Bayliss explained she had spoke to the accused and his wife at their residence. During their meeting the man had claimed he was not involved in the offence but had admitted to the charges when the police officer advised him to plead guilty, in order not to have lengthy court proceedings.

However the court presided by Magistrate Gabriella Vella said that it was hard to believe that a man admits to such serious offences, simply to do away with lengthy proceedings. Magistrate Vella stated that the accused's admission was reinforced by his behaviour during the four sittings ,in which evidence was heard.

The accused was found guilty and placed under a three-year probation order. The court also ordered that the probation officer ensures the man is given all necessary help and support in order to prevent similar behaviour in the future. Magistrate Vella placed the victim under a three-year protection order.

Should the accused breach the protection order he faces a six-month jail term or a fine of €2,329. The convicted could also be handed both the fine and the prison term. Inspectors Joseph Busuttil and Louise Calleja prosecuted.