A man was yesterday charged with stealing cheques and defrauding a number of people of more than Lm3,000.

Jason Briffa, 32, from St Paul’s Bay, was charged with defrauding Valmore Galea of more than Lm1,000, stealing a cheque from Cassar and Cooper Real Estate in Sliema in February to the detriment of Christian Bonello, forging official documents, making use of forged documents and relapsing.

Before Magistrate Edwina Grima, Mr Briffa pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him.

Police Inspector Angelo Gafa prosecuted while Dr Franco Debono appeared for the accused.