Fame, money, 'a must' for drug addict to be helped in prison

A homeless man charged with a string of thefts told a magistrate yesterday that for a drug addict to get help while behind bars one had to be known and "have money".

The magistrate still jailed him, adding that the court would write to the prison authorities so they would look after him.

Mikiel Anġlu Mamo, 38, pleaded guilty to stealing everything from €500 worth of juices to computer equipment and a synthesiser between May 28 and Tuesday from the Santu Rokku Primary School, St Edwards College in Cospicua and from two cars.

As he stood in the dock with arms covered in scars, Magistrate Antonio Mizzi, recognising him as he had already appeared before him in the past, asked Mr Mamo what was he doing back in court. Police Inspector Jesmond Borg, prosecuting, intervened, saying: "He has hit rock bottom".

The officer told the magistrate Mr Mamo wanted to plead guilty to all the charges and was in desperate need of help for his drug addiction. The prosecution was "not after a pound of flesh" in terms of punishment.

After reviewing the charges, Magistrate Mizzi told Mr Mamo he would be sending him to prison for three years so he could get the help he needs and the accused replied it was useless because he could not resist drugs. It was at this point that he complained that, to get help in prison, one had to be known and "have money", which he did not have.

The magistrate insisted on jailing him for three years. The prosecuting officer asked for the term to be increased by another year to avoid Mr Mamo slipping back into his old ways once he was released. The magistrate agreed and jailed him for four years, telling Mr Mamo he would be writing to the prison director to tell him to look after him.

Mr Mamo was not assisted by a lawyer.