€39,000 fraud charge

A man who pleaded not guilty to defrauding two people of €39,000 (Lm16,738) in cash was yesterday granted bail against a personal guarantee of €2,000 (Lm858.36).

Magistrate Antonio Micallef Trigona heard Steve Spiteri, a driver from Siġġiewi, plead not guilty to defrauding Maria Vella and Saviour Vassallo on and before this April.

Mr Spiteri also pleaded not guilty to relapsing.

Before granting bail, the court took into consideration the fact that this was a serious case and further witnesses still had to be heard.

Police Inspector Anthony Portelli prosecuted.

Lawyers Franco Debono and Charmaine Cherrett were defence counsel.