A man was yesterday jailed for 18 months suspended for three years after he pleaded guilty to defrauding a man of Lm350 and misappropriating the money, and committing a crime he was duty bound to prevent as a public officer.

John Micallef, 41, from Zurrieq, pleaded guilty to defrauding Carmel Mangion and misappropriating Lm350 to the detriment of Mr Mangion.

Magistrate Saviour Demicoli considered his early guilty plea, his criminal record and the fact that he cooperated with the police during their investigations.

Police Inspector Joseph Cordina prosecuted while Dr Anthony Cutajar appeared for the accused as legal aid.