Reformed cannabis grower shown clemency

A 35-year-old man was 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 of Sannat admitted to cultivating the drug after receiving advice from another user.

Taking the witness stand, probation officer Trevor Calafato said Mr Saliba had been going through a particularly stressful time when he started to use the drug.

Mr Saliba had only used the drug during this period and today has a full-time job and a family, the probation officer said.

Before handing down judgment, Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera took into consideration Mr Saliba's admission, the fact that he is a first-time offender, that he has reformed and that the amount of cannabis found was minimal.

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

Police Inspector Paul Vassallo prosecuted.