An Algerian man was today placed on probation for three years after admitting to defiling his niece and performing sexual acts with her.

The court heard how the man touched the young girl indecently while she was asleep. This happened on a number of occasions at the girl’s grandmother’s house between December 2013 and April 2014. The accused, who also has an alcohol problem, admitted to the charges before Magistrate Antonio Micallef Trigona.  

The court placed him on probation for three years and issued a three-year protection order for the girl. It also ordered a ban on the name of the accused so as to protect the victim.

Lawyer Patrick Valentino appeared for the Algerian. Inspectors SylvanaBriffa and Roderick Agius prosecuted.