Following a judgement by a magistrates’ court, Joseph Fenech, also known as Zeppi l-Hafi, has been charged with defrauding a couple of Lm15,000 in April 2001.

Carmel and Helen Galea had filed challenge proceedings in the magistrates’ court claiming they had been defrauded and demanding the police commissioner investigate the case.

The couple made this request after they had filed a criminal report and the police and attorney general claimed there was no case to be made against Fenech.

The Galeas alleged they had given Fenech Lm20,000 under the impression that they were purchasing a farmhouse. Mr Galea said he was given Lm2,300 of this sum back.

The magistrates’ court that ordered the police commissioner to take legal action against Fenech claimed the accused was well aware that this transaction could not go through, due to some ownership issues, and therefore ordered him to be charged with fraud.

As a result of the magistrates’ court ruling, Fenech, 49, from Kappara was charged with defrauding the couple on 11 April 2001 and the previous months.

Dr Joseph Giglio appeared for Fenech.