A Qrendi pensioner was arraigned before Magistrate Antonio Mizzi yesterday and charged with usury, after deceiving various persons with the intention of making illegal profits from them.

Francis Gabriele, 64, was charged with having, last Sunday and in previous months, acquired money through interests which were over and above what the law allowed. He was also accused of intimidating and threatening various persons, including siblings, to achieve his ends.

Gabriele, who pleaded not guilty, was given provisional liberty on a deposit of e2,000 and a personal guarantee of e10,000. He was assisted by lawyers Charmaine Cherrett and Marion Camilleri.

Inspector Ivan Cilia prosecuted.