A 25-year-old man from Msida today denied defiling three girls, aged 12, 16 and 17, as well as being in possession of child pornography.

One of the girl's is the daughter of the 25-year-old's father's partner.

Defence lawyer Franco Debono argued that the defilement of the 16 and 17-year-old was “superficial,” pointing out that there is currently a debate in parliament about lowering the age of consent.

He did however concede that the court has to look at the law as is at present.

The prosecution told the court that the man and the victims frequent the same areas and therefore contested bail until the three girls have testified.

Magistrate Doreen Clarke denied the request for bail and remanded the ban in custody.

The Magistrate ordered a ban on the publication of the victims' names, as well as that of the accused.

Inspectors Joseph Busuttil and Roderick Agius prosecuted.