A 25-year-old man from Hamrun was cleared of raping his ex-girlfriend after the charges against him were dropped because the woman refused to testify.

The man, whose name cannot be published as a result of a court order, was accused of raping his girlfriend on 2 July in the limits of Ghar Lapsi.

Before Magistrate Anthony Vella, the man was also charged with holding her against her will, slightly injuring her and offending public morals.

The woman filed a request not to testify against the man and to drop the charges against him. She explained that she was the mother of his child and that the father had a very good relationship with the child and took an active interest in his life.

Police Superintendent Sharon Tanti prosecuted and Dr Roberto Montalto and Dr Deborah Delceppo appeared for the man.

Dr Veronique Dalli appeared in parte civile for the woman.