An appeals court has confirmed a decision acquitting a public official who requested a €20 token from a couple to lengthen their civil wedding ceremony of bribery.

Marriage registrar Guzeppi Maria Cini claimed he had requested the token for additional duties he was asked to carry out by the couple.

The couple, however, claimed that he had offered them to lengthen the service. The wedding took place in July 2008.

In handing down the decision, Mr Justice Michael Mallia said the accused knew that he was not legally owed the payment but that it would have to be a voluntary donation.

In requesting the token he was not in breach of the law but should have undergone disciplinary departmental proceedings.

Lawyer Joseph Giglio appeared for Mr Cini.

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