A man was put on probation for 18 months after he was found guilty to misappropriating Lm300 of the funds of non-governmental organisation the Malta Red Cross Society.

Orazio Zahra, 45, from Siggiewi , was found guilty of misappropriating the funds in February. The court heard how he had received a Lm300 cheque for a life-saving course he led on behalf of the Malta Red Cross Society.

It heard how Zahra admitted to the police having received the Lm300, which he deposited in his bank account because the organisation owed him money.

Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera placed Zahra on probation for 18 months in order to help him keep away from a life of crime.

Police Inspector Angelo Gafa prosecuted.