A man who defrauded two men by deceiving them with a claim that he was the project coordinator of the SmartCity project was jailed for 15 months suspended for three years.

The court heard how Martin Camilleri, 53, from Msida, used the national project to deceive people. He pleaded guilty to defrauding Victor Ragonesi of Lm720 and Lawrence Sammut of Lm350.

The court heard how Camilleri had failed to pay Dr Ragonesi after he stayed at one of his hotels and he did not pay Mr Sammut fees for the cars he rented.

Magistrate Audrey Demicoli took into consideration that Camilleri filed an early guilty plea and had cooperated with the police during their investigations. She jailed him for 15 months suspended for three years.

The magistrate also ordered Camilleri to pay Dr Ragonesi and Mr Sammut the money he owes them within six months.

Police Inspector Angelo Gafa prosecuted.