A woman was yesterday jailed for 18 months suspended for four years after she pleaded guilty to defrauding a woman of more than Lm4,000.

Carmen Spiteri, 30, from Valletta, pleaded guilty to defrauding Carmen Ciarlo of more than Lm4,000 between April 2001 and April 2003.

The court, presided over by Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera, heard that Spiteri was a gambler and got herself into a lot of trouble and debts because of her gambling addiction. The court heard the victim, Ms Ciarlo, declare that she was prepared to receive the sum from Spiteri in monthly instalments.

Magistrate Scerri Herrera jailed Spiteri for 18 months suspended for four years and placed her on a supervision order for the four years.

Police Superintendent Alexandra Mamo prosecuted while Dr Josè Herrera and Dr Veronique Dalli appeared for the accused.