Three men were yesterday charged with defrauding several people of Lm30 each by staging a driving exam.

Driving instructor Christopher Mallia, 30, from St Paul’s Bay, pleaded guilty to his involvement in defrauding driving students earlier this year including as well as forgery and trying to defraud a woman.

Magistrate Tonio Micallef Trigona conditionally discharged him for a year.

Mark Micallef, 27, from Zabbar, and John Farrugia, 30, from Birzebbuga, pleaded not guilty to posing as driving examiners. Mr Farrugia was charged with trying to defraud a woman of Lm30 together with Mr Mallia, while Mr Micallef was charged with defrauding a German woman and a Maltese man together with Mr Mallia. Mr Micallef was also accused of relapsing.

Police Inspector Angelo Gafà led the prosecution while Dr Marion Camilleri and Dr Franco Debono appeared were defence counsel.