Man charged with cashing in €2,500 in stolen cheques

55-year-old man remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to defrauding a woman.

A 55-year-old man who lives in a garage was today remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to defrauding a woman when he allegedly cashed in eight cheques stolen from his victim.

Giuseppe Cassar, of Marsaxlokk, also pleaded not guilty to using a stolen chequebook, forging signatures, handling stolen property, and to cashing in the stolen cheques in January.

Cassar also denied committing a crime during a probation order and to breaching bail conditions.

Informed sources explained that the accused is alleged to have defrauded his victim out of €2,490 when he cashed in eight cheques. Sources said that the cheque book was stolen by a third party who in turn passed it on to Cassar.

Cassar is then alleged to have cashed in the cheques and divided the money with his partner in crime. Moreover, sources said that the accused was using the stolen cheques to sustain his drug habit.

Standing before Magistrate Miriam Hayman, Cassar pleaded not guilty to the charges and was remanded in custody after he did not request bail.

Police Inspectors Rennie Stivala and Robert Said Sarreo prosecuted while Lawyers Michael and Lucio Sciriha defended the man.