The shocking allegations of a University of Malta campus resident sexually assaulting two students at the university residences have now been followed up by even more reports by young women.

The 37-year-old Indian national – who is reading for a Masters in Tourism but whose name was banned from publication by Magistrate Jean Paul Grech to protect the identity of the alleged victims – was taken to court yesterday following a report on Sunday.

The initial report saw the man being charged with sexually assault an 18-year-old student and sexually harassing her and another student. Living in the same building as the young women, the man was accused of asking them inappropriate questions and even fondling them without their consent.

Now, it has emerged that a total of five reports by different young women have been placed… with one of the alleged victims being just 17 years old.

The teenage student alleged that once, in the residence’s kitchenette, the man had asked her if she was a virgin and if she had a boyfriend, reportedly following it up by saying he “didn’t like girls who were not virgins because they were not pure”.

According to her, the harassment continued over a number of days, with the accused staring at her and her friends, following her around, and even touching her on her lower back. Another young woman said he tried to grab and kiss her, even touching her chest.

After the group of young women went to the police on Sunday, the man was arrested that day, at around 5pm. He was charged with committing non-consensual sexual acts with the minor, harassment, causing her fear of violence, and attempting similar acts with another young woman.

The man plead not guilty, and while his defence didn’t request bail (since he had nowhere else to live except for his university campus room), they asked that he be given the possibility to continue his studies online when he was in custody. The magistrate accepted this request.

Meanwhile, legal procurator Mario Tonna followed up by saying the man needed help to treat his alcohol problem.

His lawyers also asked for the court to direct the police to accompany him to his room so he could collect his belongings before going to the Corradino Correctional Facility.

The student has been remanded there in protective custody.

What do you make of these latest developments?