Man raised €1,000 by posing as charity fund-raiser, court told

A man who posed as a fund raiser for Dar tal-Providenza allegedly raised some €1,000, a court heard this morning.

Arturo Busuttil, 49 of Birzebbuga, allegedly knocked on people's doors, said he was from the Home for the Handicapped, and solicited donations.

Police Inspector Michael Mallia said that in some cases, the accused told those who opened the door that they had won a prize of some €5,000 and he suggested that they donate a handsome amount as charity in order to claim the prize.

In one case he was given €800 in cash.

The inspector noted that the accused had already been previously convicted of similar crimes.

Magistrate Audrey Demicoli granted Mr Busuttil bail against a personal guarantee of €3000.

Dr Franco Debono was defence counsel.