Josef Grech, 25 of Valletta, was condemned to a prison term of eight months suspended for two years after he admitted in court to having defrauded the government, Bank of Valletta, HSBC and John Gauci in excess of €1,000. He also admitted falsification of documents included cheques issued for Joseph Bezzina.

During the hearings, the defence said the accused had lent money to Mr Bezzina. Mr Bezzina had been making regular repayments, but he had then died before completing the loan repayment.

Most of the money has been returned.

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