A project manager at Żebbuġ local council was yesterday charged with accepting a €1,000 bribe from a hawker who wanted a spot in the open air market in the centre of the village.

The project manager, Philip Gatt, 40, from Żebbuġ, pleaded not guilty to receiving the money on October 4 while the hawker, Christian Curmi, 23, from Birżebbuġa, denied paying the bribe to Mr Gatt.

Mr Curmi allegedly paid Mr Gatt to secure a permit for him to operate a stall.

Both men requested bail and were released on a deposit of €500 each and a personal guarantee of €2,500 each.

Lawyers Michael and Lucio Sciriha appeared for Mr Curmi while lawyer Edward Gatt appeared for Mr Gatt.

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