Usury victim charged with fraud

Usury victim Sarah Ann Gatt, 33, of Santa Venera, was granted bail after pleading not guilty to defrauding over 100 people of €30,000 .
 
Prosecuting inspector Ian Abdilla told the court that after falling victim to usury, the accused started looking for ways to pay her creditors. In the months prior to April this year, Gatt started telling people she would be importing appliances from Sicily at a reduced price. Those interested were asked to pay a deposit on their order. However the appliances were never delivered.
 
Gatt was also charged with relapsing and committing an offence during the term of a suspended jail term.
 
Magistrate Giovanni Grixti granted bail to the accused against a personal guarantee of €3,000.

Lawyer Malcom Mifsud appeared for the accused.