Tearful scene in court as drug dealer is convicted

The small crowd who packed a courtroom for the arraignment of their 27-year-old relative shed tears yesterday when the presiding magistrate said he had no choice but to jail him for drug trafficking.

Malcolm Mallia from Gżira was seen selling drugs over the past few weeks and on Friday was caught in possession of 8.5 grams of cocaine, an amount which Inspector Jesmond Borg said was clearly too much for Mr Mallia's personal use.

He was jailed for a year and fined €500.

Inspector Borg told Magistrate Joseph Apap Bologna that Mr Mallia immediately handed the cocaine over and admitted that he was about to sell it. He even identified the people he had bought it from and cooperated fully with the police.

His lawyer Chris Balzan pointed out that he had a clean criminal record, except for some negligible fines, and asked Magistrate Apap Bologna to give him the minimum sentence.

However, Magistrate Apap Bologna said in the circumstances he was obliged by law to hand down a jail term and a fine.

Mr Mallia was escorted by the police into the court room with swollen eyes. Sitting in front of his family and directly opposite Magistrate Apap Bologna, he looked remorseful.

At least 20 of his relatives were present and they barely fit into the courtroom. As soon as the magistrate uttered the words that he had no option, most of them burst out crying.