Jail for trespassing at airport

An irregular immigrant from Mali was yesterday jailed for six months after he admitted to trespassing into the airport's restricted area on Wednesday afternoon.

Youssif Gara, 23, pleaded guilty to walking onto the runway when he did not have a security pass.

Police Inspector Jeffrey Cilia called on the court to hand down a punishment that reflected the serious nature of the case.

"No matter what his reasons were, entering the restricted area was a very dangerous thing to do since the lives of many were at stake," he said.

Lawyer Daniela Mangion, for Mr Gara, called on the court to hand down the least possible jail term.

On handing down judgment, Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani noted that Mr Gara faced a maximum jail term of two years.