A man yesterday appeared in court, charged with defiling a 15-year-old girl and holding her against her will.

Raymond Bonnici, 45, pleaded not guilty to indecent and violent assault of the girl and offending public morals on Thursday night in Xghajra. He was granted bail against a personal guarantee of Lm1,000 and a deposit of Lm200. He was also ordered by the court to not approach the teenager or interfere in any form or manner.

Police Inspector Alexander Grech prosecuted while lawyers Joseph Giglio, Errol Cutajar and Joseph Bonnici appeared for the accused.