The man, Kimu Mohammed Hikam, had been charged with corrupting an 11-year-old and offending public morals by exposing himself.

The court claimed that the man was not a credible witness because he gave false identification details to police and as well as different versions of what happened that day.

In his first statement, Hikam had said that he removed his trousers and underpants because he thought he had a splinter pricking his thigh. On taking off his trousers, he said, he found a small piece of metal instead.

Later he changed his story, claiming that he never completely removed his trousers.

The incident happened when Hikam was working at an Attard carpentry and the girl he was accused of corrupting had been waiting for her parents in a parked car, in front of this establishment.

Presiding Magistrate Abigail Lofaro explained that the 11-year-old girl’s testimony had been calm and consistent. She said that the man had exposed his genitals and made lewd actions.

The court ruled that the girl had been corrupted by the man’s actions and therefore sentenced him to three years and one month in prison. Magistrate Lofaro ordered that the prison term be reduced by the length of time Hikam had spent in preventative custody.

Inspectors Louise Calleja and Kevin Farrugia prosecuted while Dr Kris Busietta appeared for defence.