The owner of the Serena Hotel, Joe Vella, has been charged with allegedly trying to defraud a French couple who were going to stay at his in hotel in Xlendi.

This morning The Sunday Times reported about several tourists who claimed they had been overcharged by the same man following a stay in his hotel.

The French couple's case is similar but unrelated. They were allegedly asked to pay once they arrived at his hotel even though they had paid for their holiday beforehand.

The couple are expected to testify before they return home.

Mr Vella denied the charges and pleaded not guilty.

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