Entertainer charged with defrauding his neighbour

Maltese entertainer Tristan B, also known as Emanuel Balzan, was yesterday charged with defrauding his British neighbour of €4,322.

Police Inspector Maurice Curmi told the court that Mr Balzan had defrauded his neighbour on four occasions in the last two months.

Mr Balzan, 32, was also charged in April with defrauding two companies of €70,000 and was remanded in custody. However, he was released on bail during the compilation of evidence.

In the latest case, it is alleged that he borrowed money from his neighbour under false pretences and on occasion had asked her for cash to pay an electrician who had carried out work in his flat.

Mr Balzan pleaded not guilty to fraud and misappropriation.

Defence lawyer Peter Paul Zammit told the court that the charges were a lot more serious than what had actually taken place. He asked the court to take into consideration that his client had contracts to fulfil as he was an evening entertainer.

When Magistrate Lawrence Quintano announced that he was going to grant him bail, Mr Balzan held his hands up together in prayer and became slightly emotional.

The magistrate granted him bail against a deposit of €2,000 and a personal guarantee of €2,000.