A man from Marsa yesterday pleaded not guilty to the charges of usury and threatening a man.

Keith Pace, 27, was charged with lending money at higher rates than those permissible by law, on and before, 16 December, and with threatening Anthony Zammit.

He was also accused, before presiding magistrate Jacqueline Padovani, of committing a crime during the operative term of a suspended sentence and relapsing.

Magistrate Padovani refused to grant Mr Pace bail and he was remanded in custody.

Police Inspector Angelo Gafa prosecuted, while Dr Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri appeared for Mr Pace.