A Gozitan man was yesterday charged with cruelty towards his partner’s four children, all of who are all under 12 years old.

The man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the minors, pleaded not guilty of regularly using violence against the four sons of his partner and slightly injuring one of them last month.

He was also charged with harassment and relapsing. The court, presided over by Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera, turned down the accused’s request for bail. Police Inspectors Raymond Cassar and Therese Sciberras prosecuted. Dr Beppe Fenech Adami appeared for the accused.