The man, a fisherman by trade, is not being named by court order to protect the identity of the alleged victim. The 34-year-old, from Ghaxaq, pleaded not guilty to raping the 19-year-old on various occasions in April 2004 and before in Birzebbuga, Ghaxaq and Mellieha.

He was also accused of corrupting the alleged victim (while she was still a minor), attempted indecent and violent assault and offending public morals. He was also accused of threatening to kill the alleged victim. The court, presided over by magistrate Silvio Meli, refused bail. Police inspectors Louise Calleja and Raymond Aquilina prosecuted while Dr Franco Debono appeared for the defence.