Individual Arrested for Alleged Attempted Sexual Assault

Newsbook
By Monique Agius
Monday August 28, 2023

Photo by DANNY G on Unsplash

A 32-year-old man entered a plea of not guilty after being charged with attempted rape on Sunday morning.

The defendant, a Somali national, appeared before magistrate Noel Bartolo and was accused of trying to rape a woman on July 19. He was also charged with false imprisonment and causing the victim to fear violence.

Prosecutor Cynthia Tomasuolo requested that the victim’s name and workplace not be disclosed. The defense agreed and added that the defendant’s name should also be withheld from publication.

The court granted the prosecution’s request but denied the defense’s.

During the hearing, police inspector Antonello Magri testified that the defendant had made unwelcome sexual advances towards the victim during a meeting. The victim attempted to leave the room, but the defendant pushed her back onto a sofa and tried to rape her. Fortunately, the woman managed to escape and report the incident to the police before it could escalate further.

Magri further explained that although the incident occurred several weeks ago, the defendant had been undergoing treatment at Mount Carmel Hospital. Once he was deemed fit for questioning and arraignment, the police proceeded with their investigation.

Legal aid lawyer Mattia Felice requested that no bail be granted, citing the defendant’s unemployment and lack of a fixed address.

The court issued a protection order in favor of the victim and warned the defendant that he would be fined €7,000 if he violated the order.

The defendant was remanded in custody, with the court recommending that he be held in the forensic unit and continue to receive treatment.