Charged with drug possession

A man was yesterday charged with the possession of about 250 grammes of cannabis with the intent to sell.

John Formosa, 43, of St Paul's Bay pleaded not guilty to the possession of the drug on and before Thursday.

Mr Formosa's lawyer, Franco Debono, requested bail and called on the court to allow his client to remain at home with his partner who was soon to give birth to their child. The lawyer said this was an extraordinary case and suggested that the court places Mr Formosa under house arrest so that he could be of support to his partner.

Police Inspector Norbert Ciappara, prosecuting, however cautioned the court that this was the third time that Mr Formosa had been charged with the same crime.

Magistrate Joseph Cassar rejected the request for bail at this stage and placed Mr Formosa under the supervision of a probation officer while in jail.