Annunziato Griscti, a 65-year-old man from Birzebbuga, was charged in court with tampering with the electricity meter in his home. He was also accused of causing damages worth Lm240 to the detriment of Enemalta.

Inspector Nadia Lanzon explained that on 21 June 2003, a report had been received that an Enemalta official had visited Griscti’s premises and found that the electricity meter had been tampered with. She said the meter’s seals were broken, it was not registering any consumption and there were also scratches on the box.

Inspector Lanzon said the meter had a reading of 50500 units and had not registered use of electricity since 2001. She added that the old meter had also been replaced with a new one.

Cross examined by the defence, Lanzon said she did not actually verify herself that the meter had been tampered with as confirmed qualified personnel had given her the information. She also said that to her knowledge, Griscti had not reported the fault in the electricity meter at least a year before the incident.

Ian Vella, Officer in Charge Revenue Protection for Enemalta then confirmed that Griscti had settled the pending bills to the company, which amounted to around Lm240, three days after his meter was replaced.

The case continues.

Inspector Nadia Lanzon prosecuted.

Dr Antonocic appeared on behalf of Griscti.

Presiding Magistrate: Dr Abigail Lofaro.