A man was yesterday accused of defrauding a number of establishments when he allegedly purchased goods using a stolen cheque book throughout October and November 2005.

Richard Flattley, 56, from Swieqi, was charged with falsifying and using a number of cheques, defrauding four businesses of an amount of more than Lm1,000, forging signatures and handling stolen property. He was also accused of relapsing.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him.

Police Inspector Joseph Mercieca prosecuted while Dr Roberto Montalto and Dr Jose Herrera appeared for the accused.