MALTA
Malta Today
Matthew Agius 14 October 2015
The 44-year-old chaplain of the airport chapel has been remanded in custody this morning after being charged with defiling three underage boys, participating in sexual acts with them and being in possession of child pornography.
Before Magistrate Josette Demicoli, Fr Donald Bellizzi was arraigned under arrest and charged with defiling the minors over the period between 2010 and 2013. The victims are now over 18.
The court heard police Inspector Joseph Busuttil accuse the cleric of abusing the three boys at a time when they were part of a group of five who were discerning their vocation to the priesthood. The other two boys did not report any abuse.
Defence lawyer Giannella de Marco requested bail, telling the court that her client was strongly contesting the charges.
Police inspector John Spiteri, prosecting, objected to this request on the grounds that the witnesses were vulnerable to manipulation and due to the risk of evidence being tampered with.
The witnesses all lived in the Rabat area and include other priests who reside at the same convent as the accused.
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