The defendant, 39-year-old Hamid El Faiq from St Paul’s Bay, was charged with violently raping the boy, corrupting him, holding him against his will and forcing him to do something which offends his sex.

Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera heard the man plead not guilty to the charges brought against him. He was refused bail and remanded in custody.

Police inspectors Louise Calleja and Paul Bond prosecuted.