A Sudanese refugee pleaded not guilty yesterday to raping an 18-year-old Frenchman on 2 February at Shingles Bay, St Julian’s.

Ahmed Issa, 22, residing in Bugibba, pleaded not guilty also to grievously injuring the Frenchman, robbing him, holding him against his will and committing offences against decency or morals in public.

The court, presided over by Magistrate Michael Mallia, heard how Issa was receiving cure at Mt Carmel Hospital while he was being investigated.

The Magistrate remanded him in custody and advised the Director of Prisons to take care of the man due to his particular condition.

Police inspectors Raymond Aquilina, Carlo Ellul and Graziella Muscat prosecuted while Dr Richard Sladden was legal aid to the accused.