An unemployed man, escorted to court after receiving medical treatment in hospital, was today given a suspended prison sentence after he admitted to defrauding his former employer out of €1,550.

Nigerian-born Emeke Wisdom Azomokwu, 28, currently residing at the Marsa Open Centre, was charged with forging a company cheque and then attempting to cash it.

The prosecution explained that the accused had filled in the details on the cheque and forged the signature of the company's authorised signatory. The cheque was handed over to the police by the bank.

The accused, assisted by an interpreter, admitted to the charges even after he was given the chance to reconsider his plea.

The court, presided by magistrate Caroline Farrugia Frendo, declared the accused guilty and condemned him to a 15-month jail term suspended for two years.

Inspector Elton Taliana prosecuted. Lawyer Patrick Valentino was legal aid.

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