A chicken farmer from Baħrija tried to get out of paying for a truck licence by obtaining licence plates that were identical to those of another truck and falsifying the windscreen disc, a court heard yesterday.

Michael Mercieca, 47, from Rabat, was stopped by the police on May 20, 2010, after they received an anonymous phone call saying that two trucks driving into Baħrija were carrying identical number plates.

Police Inspector Robert Vella testified that further investigations revealed Mr Mercieca had reported his licence plates stolen and the licensing department issued a second set.

He also created a false licence disc which was found attached to the windscreen of the second truck, the inspector said.

Mr Mercieca is pleading not guilty to making a false declaration, driving a vehicle without licence and insurance and falsifying a licence.

The case continues.

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