A 55-year-old former Enemalta technician from Mqabba was jailed two years after admitting that he had tampered with around 250 smart meters.

Lawyer Arthur Azzopardi, who defended Paul Pantalleresco, said that his client was not responsible for all tampered smart meters – reportedly a thousand. He also argued that his client had collaborated with the police.

Mr Pantalleresco was jailed for two years and given a general interdiction.

A second suspended Enemalta employee, Manuel Micallef, 35 of Mtarfa, was also accused of bribery and tampering. He pleaded not guilty. His request for bail was denied after the prosecution argued that this was an ongoing investigation. Police Inspector Daniel Zammit told the court that not all suspected smart meters have been checked so far and the police is looking for more witnesses to the case. Lawyer Joe Giglio appeared for Mr Micallef.

The court also denied bail to Richard Gauci, 47 of Rabat, who similarly denied the charges levelled against him.

All cases were heard by Magistrate Francesco Depasquale.