Man suspected of molesting his stepdaughter

A NICOSIA man was in court yesterday on suspicion of having molested and attempting to rape his 12-year-old stepdaughter.

Judge Charalambos Charalambous remanded the suspect for five days in light of the preliminary police investigations and the seriousness of the charges, which are likely to be brought against him on the basis of witness statements.

The court proceeding was conducted behind closed doors because of the age of the alleged victim and the serious nature of the alleged offences.

According to the girl, the suspect had been systematically touching and molesting her at home.

She added that her stepfather was even forcing her to watch pornographic films with him.

Last Sunday, the young girl had told her uncle that her stepfather had recently tried to rape her but that she had managed to escape.

The same evening, the uncle informed officers at Nicosia CID what his niece had told him and the suspect was immediately arrested and brought in for questioning.

According to police investigators, the man has denied any wrongdoing and is set to plead not guilty to the charges.

The state prosecutor in the trial is set to call family members and friends of both the suspect and the young girl as witnesses.

Wearing shorts and a white t-shirt, the suspect looked calm while being escorted in and out of the courtroom yesterday by a police officer.

He was also accompanied by several family members who were present during the remand hearing.

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