A marriage registrar who demanded €20 as a goodwill gesture from a couple who wanted a prolonged marriage ceremony, had his acquittal of bribery confirmed on appeal.

Giuseppe Maria Cini, 60, had been charged with bribery and unlawful exaction but he insisted the payment was made voluntarily.

The court heard that the couple had contacted the civil registry office and paid the relevant fee and then spoke to Mr Cini over the phone to sort out the niceties in July 2008.

It was during the phone call that the couple asked for the ceremony to be prolonged and Mr Cini said he would, asking for €20 as a “token” for doing so.

Mr Cini said he had made it very clear that it was a voluntary payment and that it was the only time he had made such a request.

After his acquittal by the Magistrates’ Court, the Attorney General appealed, saying Mr Cini should be found guilty.

Mr Justice Michael Mallia, hearing the appeal, found that Mr Cini had not in fact broken any law.

If anything, he should have been taken before a disciplinary board at his place of work.

The judge confirmed the acquittal. Lawyer Joe Giglio appeared for Mr Cini.