Sex offender gets probation after touching three teens

A man has been placed on probation and ordered to submit to treatment after he was found guilty of participating in sexual activities with three young girls – one of them his partner's daughter – and possession of child porn.

The accused, an Msida man in his twenties, cannot be named by order of the court as not to identify the victims. He had been accused of having corrupted the girls, all of whom are under 16 years of age, who had been entrusted in his care, participating in sexual activities with underage persons and charges relating to child pornography.

He admitted the charges.  

Sources explained that the sexual activities involved the accused touching the girls inappropriately through their clothes, but this could not be confirmed.

A Social Inquiry Report had indicated that the accused was in need of professional help to overcome psychological problem. The court disagreed with the prosecution's insistence on a custodial sentence, noting that a pre-sentencing report had suggested that the man be treated, rather than imprisoned.

Magistrate Audrey Demicoli reasoned that due to the fact that “the accused's actions consisted only of touching, many times through clothing, words and a kiss on the neck of one of the girls, the court should adopt the recommendations made by the Probation Officer.”

The court said it believed that it was in the best interests, not only of the accused and the victims...but also those of society in general, that the accused be given the necessary psychological assistance to overcome the psychological problems that compel him to feel attracted to underage girls.”

The court placed the man on probation for three years, also placing him under a three-year psychological treatment order, as well as imposing a three-year protection order in favour of the girls. “The aim for this is for the accused to be given the therapy he needs whilst being aided to consolidate the stable elements in his life, with particular attention to improve elements and attitudes whose influences he could be susceptible to. This way, the accused will remain in the community, whilst remaining in employment and receiving all the necessary help.”

He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register.

Police inspectors Joseph Busuttil and Roderick Agius prosecuted. Lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri were defence counsel.