A Briton this morning admitted fraud to the detriment of another Briton in Malta, saying he had been forced to commit the crime in order to raise cash to care for his terminally-ill daughter, who has since died.

Abdul Sahid Gafur, 44, who was born in Nottingham and lives in Sliema, admitted that last November 23 he defrauded Donald Morgan of some €2,000 by using his credit card details.

Defence counsel Chris Busietta said that unfortunately at the time of the crime, his client was passing through a very bad time. One of his six children, an 18-year-old daughter, was terminally ill and had since passed away. Mr Gafud had desperately needed extra cash.

Dr Busietta said he was not trying to get some benefit for his client by mentioning this, but to put the case into context.

Police Inspector Angelo Gafa' said the accused was also accused of committing a crime during the operative period of a previous release. However, he felt that a second conditional discharge would be ideal in this case because of the particular circumstances. He pointed out that the money has been returned.

Magistrate Miriam Hayman conditionally discharged Mr Gafur for three years and fined him €1,000.