After falling victim to usury, a Sta Venera woman found the answer to her problem, which landed her in court accused with defrauding various people to the amount of €30,000.

Sarah Ann Gatt, 33, was arraigned before Magistrate Giovanni Griscti and charged with deceiving a considerable number of persons last month and previously, by telling them she would be importing appliances from Sicily, including cookers and fridges, at a heavily reduced price.

A number of people had already paid a deposit for the objects they wanted. Prosecuting Inspector Ian Abdilla said the money she owed was not a lot but was owed to many.

Gatt had cooperated fully with the police and in fact, after she was arrested on Tuesday evening, she was arraigned just hours later because she cooperated with the police.

The charges show she defrauded about 100 persons. Inspector Abdilla told the court that the accused had committed the offences after falling victim to usury. Her husband said he was willing to see how payment can be made.

Dr Malcolm Mifsud was defence counsel.