A man who impersonated a Mepa official and blackmailed a farmer, was spared a jail term today after he told an appeals court that he had paid back the money he extorted.

Eugenio Gaffarena, 55 of Mqabba, had been condemned to a 19-month jail term for impersonating Mepa official Joseph Farrugia.

He had demanded a total of €15,000 from a farmer, Joseph Azzopardi, warning him that a structure on his land had been built illegally, and it would be demolished unless he paid up.

The case came to light when Mr Azzopardi called at the Mepa offices to make enquiries. He contacted the real Mr Farrugia, who knew nothing of the case.

On appeal, Mr Gaffarena pleaded that the money had been returned. He also successfully pleaded that he could not be found guilty of relapsing.

The appeals court condemned him to a three year conditional discharge.