Two brothers were charged yesterday with defiling their 12-year-old niece over the past months.

The brothers, aged 41 and 43, whose names are not being published in order to protect the identity of the underage girl, were also charged with terrorising the girl and with holding her against her will.

The brothers were also accused of possessing pornographic material and of offending public morals.

Before magistrate Michael Mallia, the two men pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them. They were refused bail and remanded in custody.

Police Superintendent Alexandra Mamo and Inspector Frans Micallef prosecuted while Dr Manwel Mallia appeared for the men.