A 20-year-old San Gwann man has been jailed for three years after this afternoon admitting to having sex with a 13-year-old girl.

The accused, Neil Cutajar, refused legal assistance, telling the court that he is guilty and therefore does not need legal aid.

He was charged with having sexual activities with a minor, of being in possession of indecent images of the girl, and of causing wilful damage to property.

The prosecution told the court that Valletta police were informed of a fight taking place in the vicinity.

Upon arrival on the scene, the police found a number of girls who told them there had been a fight involving the accused.

The youngest girl in the group then came forward and accused Cutajar of raping her.

Magistrate Josette Demicoli patiently explained that he was not being charged with rape, and again asked the accused if he wished to reconsider his guilty plea and speak to a lawyer.

Cutajar admitted to having sex with the girl, but argued that it was consensual.

“I even have her mother’s approval, who knows that we live together,” he said.

Cutajar even told the court that he had made a mistake and was “ready for pay for it.”

Prosecuting officers Roderick Spiteri and Matthew Spagnol confirmed to the court that he had cooperated fully with the police.

The court sentenced Cutajar to three years’ imprisonment. A three year protection order for the victim’s family was also issued, and the man’s name will now appear on the sex offenders list.

The court ordered a ban on the publication of the girl’s name.

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