A 43-year-old man from Sliema has been arraigned before a court facing charges of fraud. The court heard how company director Benjamin Zammit Tabona had managed to defraud four individuals, one of whom is his landlord.

The case was heard before magistrate Josette Demicoli, with only a few details being made available as the prosecuting inspector and the defence lawyer were asked to approach the magistrate’s bench to discuss the case.

Back in November, the Civil Court had abstained from taking a decision on a case which was filed by one of the man’s victims. It appears the accused had failed to leave the apartment he was renting even after the lease agreement was over. That court had ordered that the case continue before the Rent Regulation Board, due to changes in the law which had rendered it competent to decide the issue.

The man pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him.

Magistrate Demicoli handed down a six-month prison sentence, which was suspended for two years, and placed the man under a supervision and treatment order for that period.

Police Inspector Jonathan Ransley prosecuted.