A man was yesterday charged with stealing a cheque book, forging the owner’s signature and using the stolen cheques to purchase items amounting to more than Lm1,000.

Jason Spiteri, 30, from Hamrun, was charged with stealing the Bank of Valletta cheque book to the detriment of High Point Limited, forging Joseph Philip Farrugia’s signature and using the forged cheques. He was also charged with relapsing.

Before magistrate Abigail Lofaro, Mr Spiteri pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him.

Police inspector Kevin Borg prosecuted while Dr Jose Herrera and Dr Roberto Montalto appeared for the defendant.