Three women, who claimed they were housewives, were charged yesterday with being in possession of counterfeit Lm10 notes.

The three women are Ritianne Mula, 23, from Qawra, Isabella Mizzi, 23, from Qormi and 21-year-old Johanna Saliba from Pembroke.

Before magistrate Jacqueline Padovani, Ms Mula pleaded guilty to being in possession of the counterfeit notes and using them to purchase goods on and before 27 July. She was given a two-year jail sentence, suspended for four years.

Ms Mizzi and Ms Saliba denied the charges. Their defence lawyers told the court that their clients had only been found in possession of one note each.

They were granted bail against a personal guarantee of Lm500 each.

Dr Jose Herrera, Dr Veronique Dalli and Dr Robert Abela appeared for Ms Mizzi and Ms Saliba while Dr Anglu Farrugia appeared for Ms Mula.

Police Inspector Ian Joseph Abdilla prosecuted.

In another case yesterday, also in front of Dr Padovani, a 25-year-old man was charged with being in possession of counterfeit notes on Wednesday and the preceding months.

Tracey Azzopardi, from Attard, was charged with being in possession of five Lm2 notes that were allegedly counterfeit. He was also charged with relapsing.

Mr Azzopardi pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

He was granted bail against a Lm500 deposit and a personal guarantee of Lm4,500.

Police inspector Joseph Cordina prosecuted while Dr Jose Herrera and legal procurator Noel Bianco appeared for the defendant.