Reformed drug abuser spared jail

A 35-year-old man was today jailed for six months suspended for three years after he admitted to cultivating Cannabis in May 1999 and being in possession of the drug in circumstances which denoted it was not for his exclusive use.

Joesph Saliba from Sannat, admitted to cultivating the drug after receiving advice from another user. Taking the witness stand Probation Officer Trevor Calafato said that Mr Saliba had been going through a particularly stressful time when he had started using the drug. Mr Calafato said that Mr Saliba had only used the drug during this period and today has a full time job and family.

Before handing down judgement Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera took into consideration Mr Saliba’s admission, the fact that he was a first time offender he has reformed and the amount found was only minimal.

Mr Saliba was subsequently handed down a six month jail term suspended for three years.

Police Inspector Paul Vassallo prosecuted.