A man and a woman were yesterday charged with defrauding a man of more than Lm1,000 in December 2006 and the preceding months.

James Zammit, 31, from Marsascala, and Yolanda Farrugia, 56, from Cospicua, were charged with defrauding Lawrence Scerri of more than Lm1,000. Mr Zammit alone was further charged with defrauding the Social Services Department by allegedly filing a false declaration.

The two pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them.

Police Inspector Maurice Curmi prosecuted while Dr Joe Giglio appeared for the accused.