A 27-year-old Gozitan man was yesterday accused of defiling his three-year-old daughter.

The man, whose name cannot be mentioned by court order so as to protect the identity of the young girl, appeared before magistrate Edwina Grima and pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him. He is also pleading not guilty to holding her against her will in September last year and in the preceding months.

The case started being heard yesterday behind closed door at the Magistrates’ Court in Gozo.

Police Inspector Louise Calleja is prosecuting while Dr Jose Herrera, Dr Veronique Dalli and Dr Chris Said are appearing for the accused. Dr Manwel Mallia and Dr Justyne Caruana are appearing parte civile for the family.