A convicted fraudster has been charged with defrauding her former employer of more than €70,000 over a number of years.

Alexia Cross, 29, pleaded not guilty to withdrawing the amount starting in 2006 while she worked at Pulo Shoe shop.

Taking the witness stand, Police Inspector Maurice Curmi said he had been approached by Joseph Pulo who told him that he would entrust Ms Cross with depositing cash and cheques at the bank.

Mr Pulo told the inspector he had received a phone call from his bank manager to tell him that Ms Cross had withdrawn some cash.

The shop owner informed the bank that she was not authorised to withdraw the money and asked the bank to investigate. It was discovered that she had withdrawn in excess of €70,000. Magistrate Edwina Grima deferred the case to another date since Ms Cross was not arraigned under arrest.

To date, Ms Cross has received three suspended jail terms and a three-year probation period in 2007, all for fraud.

Lawyer Renzo Porsella Flores appeared for the accused.