Refugee takes 'shortcut' across runway to open centre

A Palestinian refugee who resides at the Hal Far open centre has been jailed for six months for the possession of two knives and trespassing into the airport's restricted runway when he took a shortcut to the open centre.

Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera heard how on July 9, 2005, officers on duty at the airport noticed Kasab Ali Ahmed, 35, crossing the runway on foot.

Mr Ahmed was carrying a bag containing two knives, among other things. He told the court he had no authorisation to pass through the runway and did so only because it was a shortcut to the open centre.

Mr Ahmed also admitted to the possession of the knives and told the court he used them to eat with.

He was found guilty of trespassing into the airport's restricted area, of possessing two knives and of relapsing.

The magistrate jailed Mr Ahmed for six months and ordered that the time spent in police custody be deducted from his jail term - meaning that Mr Ahmed had already served his time as he had been in custody since his arraignment on July 11.

Police Inspector Sandro Zarb prosecuted.

Lawyer Daniela Mangion appeared for Mr Ahmed.