A Mepa official responsible for the issuing of compliance certificates was accused in court today of having demanded a bribe.

Carmelo Azzopardi, 60 of Kalkara, denied the charge as he cried in the law courts.

Lawyer Joe Giglio said his client was forcefully contesting the charges.

The case stems from claims made by a Matthew Camilleri that Mr Azzopardi allegedly phoned him about an illegal room, built without a well.

Dr Giglio said it was within Mr Azzopardi's duties to phone people who were refused a compliance certificate to explain why they were ineligible for a certificate unless Mepa regulations were met.

Mr Azzopardi claimed that the accused asked him for money for the certificate to be granted.

Bail was granted against a deposit of €500 and a personal guarantee of  €10,000. 

 

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