A man was charged with loaning money at high interest rates and of threatening the man he allegedly lent the money to.

Alfred Mallia, 52, of Marsascala was accused of usury yesterday. He was charged with lending Joe Friggieri Lm1,600 at high interest rates on 27 June 2004 and the previous months. He was also accused of threatening Mr Friggieri.

Prosecuting inspector Joseph Cordina claimed that the Lm1,600 capital almost doubled to Lm3,000 in two months. The man is pleading not guilty to the charges.

Magistrate Miriam Hayman presided over the court while Dr Robert Abela appeared for the accused.