A hawker who defrauded the Toyota agents in Malta of €873,491 when he purchased 64 vehicles under false pretences  in August 2003 has been jailed for five years.

The court heard how, Glen Debattista, 54, from Sliema, had originally bought a car rental company from Raymond Cortis but the permits for the rental car service were not transferred to him.

He then approached Michael Debono Ltd to buy the cars, using Mr Cortis's identity, the prosecution said.

Mr Debattista signed 62 contracts for 55 Toyotas from Michael Debono Ltd and nine Perodua vans from Rohan Motors Limited. Ten of the vehicles were returned, Police Inspector Angelo Gafà said during the hearing.

Then magistrate Michael Mallia had heard that the Toyota cars were valued at €750,966.69 and the vans €122,525.04.

The court asked the prosecution how was it possible for the accused to purchase so many cars without an identity card and the prosecuting officer explained that Mr Debattista used a copy of Mr Cortis's card where the picture was slightly darkened making it hard to see.

Defence lawyer Joseph Giglio had said that there had been many exchanges between the companies involved and Mr Debattista to reach a compromise and a number of cars had already been returned.

Mr Debattista was last year jailed three years after he admitted to stealing some €330,000 worth of antique jewellery and diamonds from a shop in Valletta with another two men.