An Italian man has been accused of attempting to rape a 15-year-old souvenir seller in a cemetery near Moalboal.
Police say Lorenzo Martelli, aged 46, took the girl from outside a beach resort in Basdiot to a cemetery in Badian on Saturday morning (June 16).
The alleged victim, identified as a grade seven schoolgirl, told police that Martelli was in the habit of catcalling her while she was selling her souvenirs.
On one occasion, she told officers, he stopped his motorcycle and talked to her while she was at the beach. On this occasion it was alleged that Martelli asked for her age, which she says she told him correctly.
Attempted rape in cemetery allegation
The girl told police that at 8.30am on Saturday, while she was selling souvenirs in her usual place, a white vehicle stopped in front of her.
She said that Martelli got out of the vehicle and pulled her inside. He then drove off with her, using one hand to keep a firm grip on her to prevent her escape.
The girl claimed that Martelli told her not to tell anyone about what was happening. In exchange the girl said he offered her money, a phone or anything else that she wanted.
The alleged victim said that when they arrived at the cemetery in Badian, Martelli undressed himself and then stripped off her clothes inside the vehicle. The girl alleges that after they were both naked, Martelli began to sexually assault her.
However, at this point two police officers chanced upon the vehicle, and tapped on the window. This brought the alleged sexual assault to an end and Martelli was arrested.
According to a report in the SunStar, he remains in custody and will face complaints for sexual exploitation.
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