A Filipino man who is claiming he was raped by two Egyptians did not mention the alleged sexual assault on the night of the incident but had simply told the police that he was robbed at knifepoint.

This information emerged during the compilation of evidence against Ramy Gamal Elasrag, 33, who lives in Marsaxlokk and 24-year-old Helmy Mohammed Helmay Elmosaty, who lives on a boat. The two man face several charges but are pleading not guilty.

Two officers from the Valletta police station told the court how the station was alerted to an incident at the Mall in Floriana through a phone call late at night on 31 August. The Filipino claimed he had been threatened by the two aggressors. He said one of them had threatened him with a knife and demanded his bag.

The court heard how the victim managed to escape but later found a mobile phone on the floor, which turned out to be Mr Elmosaty’s.

Replying to questions by the defence team, both officers denied that the victim that night had made the rape claim.

Inspector Jeffrey Scicluna is prosecuting. Lawyers George Buttigieg and Graziella Attard are appearing for the accused.