A man and his niece were jailed for 18 months suspended for four years after pleading guilty to the theft of three cheques and defrauding more than Lm1,800.

Alexander Cross, 52, from Naxxar, and his niece Alexia Cross, 27, from St Paul’s Bay, pleaded guilty to the theft of three cheques, forging signatures, and depositing the cheques and defrauding the amount to the detriment of third parties and HSBC Bank Malta plc.

The accused pleaded guilty to the charges brought against them. They were each jailed for 18 months suspended for four years.

Police Inspector Angelo Gafa prosecuted while Dr Roberto Montalto and Dr Raphael Fenech Adami appeared for the accused.