Italian gambler gets second fraud conviction

A compulsive gambler has been handed down his second suspended jail term in a week after he admitted to defrauding Casino Di Venezia €16,500 when he paid with stolen cheques.

Domenico Furfaro, 35, an Italian, was yesterday given a two-year jail term suspended for four years after he pleaded guilty to stealing six cheques from Shopwise Developments Ltd and using them to pay the Casino Di Venezia in Vittoriosa on December 6.

On Thursday, Mr Furfaro was given another suspended jail term - again two years suspended for four - over another case of fraud. In that case he admitted to defrauding businessman Victor Sciriha, who is also president of the Valletta football club, of €10,000 on and before December 8.

Magistrate Audrey Demicoli, who handed down yesterday's judgement, heard how Mr Furfaro has a gambling problem and will be starting a rehabilitation programme once back in Italy.

Lawyer Richard Sladden appeared for Mr Furfaro.

Police Inspector Angelo Gafà prosecuted.