Former pop singer hopeful Emmanuel Balzan, known as Tristan B, has ended up in court again facing new fraud charges, this time for allegedly borrowing €2,300 in February for an urgent private operation which never took place.

The 34-year-old pleaded not guilty to misappropriation and defrauding Patrick Mallia of the money, which he had claimed was going to be used for an operation at a private hospital.

Mr Balzan was recently handed down a suspended sentence for defrauding a man of €1,500 and has another five similar pending cases – including one where he stands charged with defrauding two companies of €70,000.

Defence lawyer José Herrera argued that his client had borrowed the money so the case was civil.

Magistrate Anthony Vella refused to grant him bail, saying Mr Balzan was not trustworthy, and remanded him in custody.

Police Inspector Maurice Curmi prosecuted. Lawyer Veronique Dalli also appeared for Mr Balzan.

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