Two lawyers today urged a court not to alter punishments against two men who pleaded guilty in the VAT fraud case last month. They were handed a suspended sentence, a general perpetual interdiction and a fine.

Their comments came in submissions on punishment following an appeal filed by the Attorney General.

Lawyer Veronique Dalli said that her client - VAT Department employee Carmel Deguara, who is currently suspended because of the proceedings - did not tamper with any documents. She therefore asked for the punishment to be confirmed and not to be increased to a jail term, as had been requested by the AG.

She also said that because of this general interdiction Mr Deguara would automatically lose his job and could never hold a warrant or work in the civil service.

Dr Edward Gatt, appearing for Jesmond Abela, said that as his client did not instigate or look to get involved in the case, the punishment was severe enough and completely within the parameters of law.