Michael Camilleri, 29, of Mellieħa, was charged before Magistrate Anthony Vella yesterday with defrauding a Birżebbuġa man of €140,500 after promising him he would double his money if the man trusted him.

His victim, Paul Mangion, who was present in court with his wife, was sobbing throughout the hearing.

Mr Camilleri is unemployed and told the court he likes to help his father in his field. He is also charged with being a member of a criminal association of two or more persons, aiming to commit offences, with committing a crime during the operative term of a suspended sentence, and with relapsing.

The court accepted a prosecution request to freeze the man’s assets.

Inspector Angelo Gafà and Inspector Jonathan Ferris prosecuted. Dr Franco Debono appeared for Mr Camilleri.