An Eritrean man who is not unknown to the courts has been ordered to serve a seven-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to violent indecent assault.

Beyene Fessahatsion Weldeabzghi was charged with violent indecent assault which took place on 15 January, at around 4pm, in St Julian's. The victim, a woman, has been granted a protection order whereby the accused is not to make any form of contact with her.

Weldeabzghi, appearing indignant and sullen during this morning’s arraignment, had appeared before the court in the summer of 2016, when he vandalized two cars and a motorcycle after the prostitute he had paid failed to provide her services.

Lawyer Fransina Abela represented the accused while presiding magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit also issued a treatment order in favour of the man.

Inspector Nikolai Sant prosecuted.