Arraigned over fraud

A man from Sta Luċija was yesterday charged with stealing a cheque book from a car and defrauding its owner out of €3,089 (Lm1,325).

Magistrate Edwina Grima heard Michael Portelli, 24, plead not guilty to stealing a wallet, bank book and a cheque book from a parked Isuzu in Sta Luċija last Friday. He also pleaded not guilty to using the cheque book and handling stolen property. He was remanded in custody. Police Inspector Alexander Grech prosecuted.

Lawyers Stephen Tonna Lowell and Joseph Giglio appeared for the defendant.