Magistrate gives man one last chance

A 44-year-old man was yesterday given a two-year jail term suspended for four years for trafficking two Russian women for prostitution purposes.

Eugenio Agius, of St Paul's Bay, admitted to trafficking in the two Russians, living off the earnings of prostitution, running a brothel and allowing premises on which he had control to be used as a brothel between May and June.

Magistrate Anthony Vella heard a probation officer explain that Agius had not understood the serious consequences of his actions.

The magistrate noted that although Agius's criminal record was not alarming it reflected that he had a lack of respect for the law.

He added that problems in one's life should never lead to criminal action, yet in light of the circumstances, he would give Agius one last chance to change his ways.

The magistrate suspended Agius's jail term, fined him Lm50 and placed him under the supervision of a probation officer.

Police Inspectors Raymond Aquilina and Alfred Mallia prosecuted.

Dr Franco Debono appeared for Agius.