The Magistrates' Court this morning acquitted Joseph Fenech (Zeppi l-Hafi) from fraud charges in connection with a failed property transaction in Burmarrad.

The case had been instituted by Carmel and Helen Galea, who demanded a refund of almost €35,000 paid to Fenech following a promise of sale agreement on a property in Burmarrad in 2001.

The court was told that after the promise of sale agreement was signed, it was found that the title of the property could not be transferred because it was leased from the government.

The court was told that although Fenech had agreed to refund the money, the money was not been returned.

The court held that this issue constituted a civil debt which did not fall within definition of fraud.

Drs Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri were counsel to Mr Fenech.