A 32-year-old was charged yesterday with defiling a 10-year-old girl, holding her against her will in the process.

The Attard resident, who cannot be named by court order, pleaded not guilty to defiling the child and indecently and violently assaulting her on 2 August.

The court, presided over by magistrate Audrey Demicoli, rejected the accused’s request for bail until the alleged victim has testified in court.

Police inspector Raymond Aquilina prosecuted while Dr Michael Sciriha and Dr Ian Farrugia appeared for the accused.