A festa reveller was charged yesterday with attempting to defile a nine-year-old girl during the Hamrun feast on Sunday afternoon.

Still wearing a red top and a red-stained pair of jeans, 20-year-old Mario Ellul from Hamrun was charged with attempting to defile the underage girl in High Street in his home town. The incident allegedly took place while Mr Ellul was at an automated teller machine after the girl asked him to buy her a drink because she was thirsty.

Before magistrate Silvio Meli, Mr Ellul pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him. He was refused bail and remanded in custody.

Police inspector Mario Tonna prosecuted while Dr Veronique Dalli appeared for the defendant.