Entertainer Emanuel Balzan, better known as Tristan B, was today jailed for three-and-a-half years after he admitted to defrauding businessman Andrew Abela of some €9,000.

Informed sources said that Mr Balzan had enticed Mr Abela into a fictitious construction deal. But he told Mr Abela that before works could start, he needed to settle debts with Enemalta and the VAT Department, which had issued warrants against him.

Mr Abela then handed over €9,000 for him to settle these debts, which he never returned.

During today's sitting, Mr Balzan confirmed his guilty plea and Magistrate Antonio Micallef Trigona jailed him for three-and-a-half years.

Mr Balzan filed an appeal.

He is currently in prison serving a nine-month term following another fraud conviction.

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