A man was yesterday charged with defiling a boy who at the time was still a minor as well as harassing another boy and threatening him with violence.

Keith-Desmond Falzon, 29, from Paola, was charged with defiling, violently and indecently assaulting a boy in 2001 and the preceding years and with holding him against his will.

He was also charged with threatening another boy with violence and harassing him on 18 December 2006 and the weeks before.

Mr Falzon pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him. Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera turned down a request for bail and he was remanded in custody.

Police Inspector Louise Calleja prosecuted while Dr Ruth Borg Scott appeared for the accused.