A school receptionist was denied bail by a magistrate after facing charges of sexually harassing three members of security staff at the school complex.

Joseph Borg, 61, of Marsascala, pleaded not guilty to charges of committing a non-consensual sexual act, harassment and requesting sexual favours from the three individuals.

Prosecuting officer Inspector Joseph Busuttil told the court that the accused asked for sexual favours from the staff members, two women and a man.

The prosecution objected to a request for bail made by the man’s lawyer, Robert Piscopo, arguing that five witnesses are still to testify. Four of them work with the accused.

The defence pointed out that the accused had just been discharged from hospital. After the man’s arrest he had complained of chest pain and was taken to hospital, from where he was discharged with a clean bill of health, the inspector said.

Magistrate Ian Farrugia denied bail.