A man is charged after allegedly sexually harassing a colleague

Tista’ taqra bil-
Malta.

A 27-year-old man was accused of sexually harassing a colleague in her car after a late shift.

The man, a Malian national from Rabat, appeared before the Nadia Helena Vella court on Thursday, where he was charged with committing a non-consensual act of a sexual nature against a colleague and causing her minor bodily harm.

He was also accused of holding her against her will, sexually harassing her, instilling fear of violence in her and committing an indecent act in a public place.

He pleaded not guilty.

The court was told that the woman reported the incident at 1am on July 13 when she turned up at the train station in Mosta to report that she had been sexually abused by the accused, with whom she had worked for eight years.

The woman told police that after her shift, he asked her to give him a ride home. After pointing out that he had his own car, she agreed to give him a ride because they had been friends.

Prosecutor Warren Galea stated in court that the man allegedly touched and groped the woman in the car.

The woman first went to the Mosta Health Centre, where she was diagnosed with bruises and abrasions on her chest. She then submitted a report.

Legal aid lawyer Ingrid Zammit Young applied for bail on behalf of the accused, pointing out that the man had a fixed address and employment. She also informed the court that the man no longer worked at the premises in question. She also argued that he had no previous convictions.

The man was fired as soon as the employer was informed of the incident. He has since found another job.

Attorney General Jürgen Dalli objected to the man’s release, pointing out that the defendant knew where the victim and other possible witnesses worked. He also pointed out that the defendant failed to inform the police about his new place of work. The prosecutor also argued that there was a risk that he could flee.

The court refused to grant bail.

The court also issued a protective order in favor of the woman, prohibiting the defendant from having any contact with her.

Attorney Keith Borg supported the victim.