A housewife has been placed under house arrest after being accused of defrauding an 89-year-old woman of €90,000 by issuing cheque payments to herself.

Michelina Grech, 55, from Rabat, pleaded not guilty to misappropriation, fraud and theft.

She had been taking care of the victim for years and used to be paid about €400 a month for her services.

Sources said that a police investigation was launched when the victim learnt that she had no money left in her bank account.

Ms Grech told the court that she loved the victim as if she was her mother.  

During submissions for bail, police inspector Yvonne Farrugia objected, for fear that the defendant might approach the woman, whom she described as  very vulnerable due to her age.

Defence lawyers Franco Debono and Martin Fenech argued that such a possibility was very remote while noting that their client had no criminal record.

Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit granted bail but the accused has to stay indoors, against a deposit of €1,000 and a personal guarantee of €15,000.

The court also issued a freezing order on the defendant’s assets, and a protection order in favour of the victim and her brother. Lawyer Joe Giglio was parte civile for the victim.