Woman conditionally discharged

A 35-year-old woman was yesterday conditionally discharged for 18 months after a court found her guilty of possessing cannabis resin.

Monique Borg of Valletta had originally been charged with possessing cocaine in circumstances denoting it was not for her exclusive use. She was also accused of being in possession of cannabis.

Magistrate Lawrence Quintano heard that, after a search at Ms Borg's apartment, a safety deposit box containing cocaine had been found together with a small amount of cannabis resin wrapped in foil.

Taking the witness stand, Ms Borg said that the box containing the cocaine was not hers but the cannabis was, adding that friends of hers were always at her flat and also sleeping over.

Ms Borg knew that the cocaine had belonged to her friend and told the court that her friend had keys to her flat.

Evaluating Ms Borg's testimony, the court noted that there was still "a nagging doubt" as to whether the cocaine had belonged to her and, therefore, by her own admission, she was found guilty of possessing cannabis.

Police Inspector Dennis Theuma prosecuted.

Lawyers José Herrera and Stephen Tonna Lowell appeared for Ms Borg.