A man faces an eight-month prison sentence for forging documents using his partner’s signature, getting her into over €325,000 of debt.
The accused was absent from court on Monday. Legal representative Anthony Mallego stated on behalf of the victim that she had been in a relationship with the man since 2008.
In 2015, the defendant started a sole proprietorship without the required business management certificate and had since continued to lie and deceive until the couple eventually separated.
He had previously signed a loan, two sureties, and a tax objection with a forged signature of his partner, leading all creditors to her.
A handwriting analysis requested by the woman revealed that the signatures on the various documents were not hers. This was confirmed by a forensic expert who found them to match the man's known handwriting.
The court noted that he has been twice previously convicted for document forgery and fraud, hence the proposed eight-month prison term.
The man denied all charges. He will be passed on 30 September.