A Sicilian handyman who charmed a customer ended up in hot water after he took her money and failed to take care of business as he promised to.

Gaetano Consalvo, 42, was paid some €2,000 by a woman but made off with the cash before completing construction works.

During the arraignment, Mr Consalvo was assisted by lawyer Daniela Mangion, who acted as an interpreter. However her translation services were rendered redundant after Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera began speaking in Italian.

Standing in the dock, wearing blue jeans and a navy blue sports jacket, Mr Consalvo listened intently to the magistrate who explained that she was granting him bail but that it came at a price.

She said that he would have to make a deposit of €500 and a personal guarantee of €3,000 and warned him that if he breached any conditions accorded to him he would be thrown behind bars.

At this point he asked her what would happen if he did not pay the amount, to which she said he would remain under arrest.

After leaving the court room for a few minutes, Mr Consalvo returned holding a wad of €50 notes.

Police Inspector Maurice Curmi prosecuted.