Two on probation over fake money

Two young women who conned five people and a charity shop out of €300 after asking them to exchange counterfeit €50 bank notes were yesterday placed on probation because they “needed guidance”.

Friends Anne Antide Calleja, 20 of Għargħur and Grace Calleja, 22 of Gżira, would stop their victims at petrol stations and in the street and ask them to exchange the fake money to be able to buy fuel, Police Inspector Ian Abdilla said.

A third suspect is expected to be arraigned today.

The two women were stopped after one of the victims noted the registration plate of the Peugeot 206 they were driving.

In submissions on punishment, lawyers Andy Ellul and Vince Micallef said Grace Calleja needed guidance in life. She had a two year-old son and had lost her father at a young age and spent most of her life in an institute.

Lawyer Anġlu Farrugia said Anne Calleja was terrified of the third person involved and had committed the crime out of such fear.

Magistrate Neville Camilleri placed them on probation for three years.