Jailed for damaging car

A Paola man, of Libyan origin, was yesterday jailed for three years for stealing and damaging a car last month. Magistrate Silvio Meli heard Jamal Muftah Salem Belkheir, 31, plead guilty to stealing Alfred Xerri's car, damaging it and relapsing on...

A Paola man, of Libyan origin, was yesterday jailed for three years for stealing and damaging a car last month.

Magistrate Silvio Meli heard Jamal Muftah Salem Belkheir, 31, plead guilty to stealing Alfred Xerri's car, damaging it and relapsing on March 30.

During submissions on punishment the prosecuting officers explained that Mr Belkheir had a serious drug abuse problem. The officers added that Mr Belkheir had been questioned over the murder of 20-year-old Simon Grech who was repeatedly stabbed in his chest, neck and abdomen.

The victim's body was discovered by the police in a field in Marsa on Wednesday.

Magistrate Meli recommended the prison authorities to help Mr Belkheir overcome his drug problem.

Police Inspectors Carmelo Bartolo and Silvio Valletta prosecuted.

Dr Martin Fenech represented Mr Belkheir.

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