A 19-year-old woman was remanded in custody yesterday after pleading not guilty to defrauding a local bank and four people of €2,440 (Lm1,048) by forging signatures on a cheque book on and before 13 February.

The woman, from Marsaxlokk, and whose name is not being published following a court order, pleaded not guilty also to stealing a bag which contained €116.47 (Lm50) in cash and personal documents and goods worth in access of Lm100 on 7 February at the Gallarija Shopping Complex, Fgura.

Magistrate Miriam Hayman heard the woman plead not guilty also to dealing in stolen goods, escaping from the Paola Police Station, where she was arrested on 15 February at 10.30pm and breaching court conditions.

Police Inspectors Spiridione Zammit and Alexander Grech prosecuted while Dr Marion Camilleri appeared for the accused.