A Libyan man yesterday appeared in court to answer charges of abducting and corrupting a nine-year-old boy.

Omar Ammar Jolgham, 30, pleaded not guilty to corrupting the boy on 30 June in Marsascala. He also pleaded not guilty to abducting the boy with the intention of abusing the boy, illegal arrest and offending public morals.

The accused requested bail through legal aid Martin Fenech. However, the prosecution, led by inspector Louise Calleja, pointed out that the accused was in Malta illegally as he had overstayed his visa and that he had no means of sustaining himself.

The court, presided over by magistrate Jacqueline Padovani, ordered that the accused be remanded in custody.