A Swiss man, Harri Hofer Otto, 40, told a court this morning that he had carried a Taser for personal protection.

Mr Otto admitted in court to the possession of the Taser and a small amount of cannabis.

He was taken to court after having been arrested in an AFM roadblock yesterday.

The court was told that Mr Otto's car was searched after he was seen throwing something away as it approached the roadblock.

Mr Otto said he had come to Malta with his caravan to study English, and was taking cannabis to relieve the pain he suffered from other medication.

Mr Otto said the Taser was for his own protection and only carried a 10v battery.

Magistrate Giovanni Griscti later sentenced Mr Otto to one year in jail suspended for a year.

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