Accused of helping migrant escape

A Frenchman was yesterday charged with giving his passport to a Nigerian immigrant so he could escape from Malta on Saturday.

Reuben Justin Kouri, 39, pleaded not guilty to having helped another person leave Malta illegally, handing over his passport for unauthorised use and then filing a false report to the police.

The Nigerian was caught as he was trying to leave Malta on the catamaran to Sicily. Sources said it had been agreed that the passport would eventually be returned to its holder by mail.

Mr Kouri pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody.

Police Inspector Joseph Henley prosecuted. Lawyer Patrick Valentino was defence lawyer.