Couple charged with usury

A Tarxien couple were yesterday charged with usury and living off the earnings of prostitution.

Pierino Fiorini, 58, and his wife Stella, 53, pleaded not guilty to usury, lending money against interest without a licence and living off the earnings of a woman who prostituted herself on and before December 13. Pierino Fiorini also pleaded not guilty to threatening the woman with a pointed instrument.

Inspector Joseph Cordina prosecuted.

Dr Franco Debono appeared for the Fiorinis, who were granted bail against a personal guarantee of Lm10,000.