A 70-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to raping his granddaughter when she was eight and nine years old.

He appeared in court on Friday facing charges of raping a minor under 12, participating in sexual acts with a child, and corrupting a minor.

The girl, now 11, reported the alleged abuse to police on 29 April, claiming it took place at her grandfather's home over a two-year period.

A magisterial inquiry was launched shortly after, and the man was arrested last Thursday following its conclusion.

Police Inspector Wayne Buhagiar told the court the arrest had been delayed due to the inquiry. The accused's wife informed police he suffers from mental health conditions and had received treatment, including a referral to Mater Dei Hospital.

The child is currently under a care order. Defence lawyer Marcus Degiorgio said the accused had not seen the girl in years, and any past contact was supervised by social workers.

Degiorgio requested bail, citing the man's medical condition. Prosecutor Jurgen Dalli objected, arguing that mental health alone was not grounds for release. He also noted the accused had embraced the girl's mother - his daughter - outside the courtroom and had only learned of the investigation at the time of his arrest.

The girl did not testify directly in court but gave a statement to a court-appointed child expert. The accused's wife and another daughter confirmed he had not seen the girl for nearly two years. However, the defence did not call his psychiatrist to testify.

Magistrate Jean Paul Grech denied bail and ordered a psychiatric assessment to determine whether the accused should be held at the Forensic Unit.

The prosecution was instructed to summon the girl and other witnesses without delay.

A publication ban prohibits the naming of the accused, the victim, or their place of residence. A protection order remains in place for the child.