A 16-year-old yesterday appeared in court to answer charges of raping a 13-year-old girl who is under psychiatric care and corrupting another child of the same age.

The accused, who cannot be named, pleaded not guilty to raping the girl on 9 February and other occasions. He also pleaded not guilty to corrupting another girl of the same age. He was also accused of defiling both girls.

The court, presided over by Magistrate Audrey Demicoli ordered that the accused be kept on remand.

Police Inspectors Anthony Cassar and Antonovich Muscat prosecuted while legal procurator Victor Bugeja appeared for the accused.