Libyan charged with sexually assaulting minor

A 41-year old Libyan was granted bail after his lawyer pledged that he will be admitting to charges of defiling a minor.

Farhat Emhamed Khalifa Fethalla was charged of defiling, and violently and indecently assaulting a 17-year old girl. The incident happened yesterday morning near the Giovanni Curmi School, in Naxxar.

Prosecuting inspector Josric Mifsud told the court that the accused also attempted to indecently assault another girl and harassed the two girls prior to the assault. The Libyan was also charged with offending public morals.

Defence lawyer Dean Hili informed the court that the accused is currently following an educational course and which comes to an end in two weeks. The defence asked the court to allow the accused to finish his studies, and pledged that Fethalla would then admit to all charges.

The prosecution did not object to the request but called on the court to control the time the accused is allowed to go out

Magistrate Anthony Vella granted bail against a deposit of €1,000 and a personal guarantee of €4,000. The accused cannot go out between 6pm and 8am.

The case is put off to 5 May for judgment.