Two immigrants jailed for trying to escape

A Nigerian and an Ethiopian were this morning jailed for leaving Malta without a passport.

Both managed to get to Switzerland where they were caught and sent back.

The Nigerian, Collins Osuagwu, 38, was jailed for six months. He also pleaded guilty to escaping from Safi Barracks two months ago.

Admitting his crime, Mr Osuagwu apoligised for his behaviour and told the court he had been in detention while his wife was delivering their baby in Nigeria.

He appealed for clemency.

The Ethiopian, Tewoday Alene Gezmu, 27, was jailed for three months. He told the court his 97 euro allowance from the government had been stopped, he did not work and he could not survive here without money.