Update 3: Harsh words by the court as Bickle is jailed for 12 years
Court suspects collusion by prison authorities and says Bickle must not shoulder the blame on her own
Updated with Bickle reaction to sentence
Josette Bickle was this afternoon jailed for 12 years and fined €23,000 after she was convicted by a jury yesterday of having trafficked drugs in prison.
The sentence was delivered by Mr Justice Michael Mallia, who had very harsh words against the prison system, saying the court could not but suspect that there was collusion by the prison authorities with Bickle and she should not shoulder the blame for what had happened alone.
Delivering his sentence, Mr Justice Mallia said there was no doubt that this was a very serious case which undermined the institution which was meant to be a correctional facility.
The main concern of the court was the fact that Bickle could act in this way for two years under the eyes of the warders and officials of the prison. It was impossible that they did not know what was going on, more so when drug abuse took place in the cells and the smell spread to the corridors where the warders were.
The high number of visits allowed to Bickle as compared to the other prisoners, and her easy access to drugs could not but indicate collusion with the authorities.
The court said it was shocking to hear a witness say that drug availability was so easy that it was door-to-door.
This court suspected that this collusion extended beyond the precincts of the prisons since, despite the removal of the director, the problem was still there. Just recently, the National Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse had said that 41 per cent of prisoners were toxic dependant.
It was true that the prison could not be totally free of drugs but this was an institution which was supposed to have the highest level of security where everyone and everything was supposed to be searched. Yet this security had no impact, now and at a time of this case.
Mr Justice Mallia said the court could not but conclude that there was something seriously wrong - He hoped this was not a case where the situation was being tolerated in order to control the prisoners without increasing the warders.
The verdict, the court said, was not just against Bickle but against the system which allowed her free rein for such a long time. This was system which had failed and was not correctional. Prisoners who were relatively clean were at serious risk of ending up worse than when they were taken to prison.
Yet these prisoners had no choice as Malta had only one prison and until this matter was controlled, this would harm society.
It was clear that Bickle was not alone and she should not shoulder the blame on her own, the court said.
After the sentence was read out, Bickle was heard to say 'I did not do that bad'. She also appeared to lift a hand in a wave at waiting photographers (see video).
The trial, which lasted three days, was characterised by shocking testimony that revealed what life was like behind bars and the extent to which inmates would go to get drugs.
An inmate described 40-year-old Ms Bickle, from Valletta, as the "queen" because of the way prison warders and inmates feared her and the power she held.
Jurors yesterday afternoon deliberated for two-and-a-half hours and found her guilty by eight votes to one of drug trafficking and aggravated possession. She did not contest the charge of relapsing.
In his submissions, defence lawyer Roberto Montalto asked the court to take into consideration a previous court judgement in 2005 where a certain Raymond Gerada, who was a prison warder, received a two-year jail term for trafficking drugs into prison.
This case, he said, was more serious than Ms Bickle's because Mr Gerada was a warder.
He noted that her earnings over two years added to €6,000, which, were one to consider as being all made from drug trafficking, represented only a small amount of drugs over two years.
He asked why had the Attorney General, then Silvio Camilleri, allowed the case of Mr Gerada to be decided in the Magistrate's Court when Ms Bickle's case was heard by a jury.
Dr Jason Grima, who was representing the AG, said Ms Bickle's case was a serious one and the prosecution was pushing for a life sentence.
Ms Bickle did a lot of damage to other prisoners through trafficking, she enjoyed the money she earned from the crime and it was common knowledge that it had become the norm that it was easier to get drugs in prison rather than outside.
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Charles Sammut
Dec 17th 2011, 11:37
This Tonio together with the other Tonio must go! Lawrence must do the right thing and step down!
Jeez!!!..what else needs to crop up to further prove that this regime has gone too far with its corruption and unaccountability??!?!
...and the beat goes on...and the beat goes on....... it is up to us, the electorate to put a stop to this aligonzi and his cohorts!!
Joe Xuereb
Dec 16th 2011, 16:59
Ms. Josette Bickle, according to reports, lived in the lap of luxury(what?! as in lace curtains?). If this means that her living conditions were visibly better than those of other inmates, then surely this was noticeable. Obviously. In which case, who facilitated this set up? Does the prison governor do his/her own inspection, his own rounds? And if he did, how, in god's name, did he find this acceptable? In which case the corruption would be from the top down. And who is the Minister responsible for Corradino Correction Facility? Yes, if it is as I have read and understood this shameful incident, head must roll all the way down Corradino Hill.
Gets worse! It has been reported that, allegedly, the wardens were afraid of Ms. Bickle. She had friends, no, not in high places, but in cells down below, prisoners she supplied drugs to. Often I image, pretty tough guys. And unpredictable I shouldn't wonder. Maybe it was these the wardens were afraid of. Maybe there was blackmail; as in wardens who dabbled in drugs and stood to gain.
If Ms. Bickley were not a fairly young, fairly attractive female but a male, the same scenario could well have developed just the same. But because Ms. Bickle is a female, fairly young and fairly attractive if one ignores the rotten innards - maybe a bit of a femme fatale self-fancier? - then the whole story takes on a different slant, sinister and ultimately, pathetic. Pathetic those who were supposed to make sure she, the femme fatale, served her sentence as she should. Instead, being grown-up boys, and inspite of being grown-up boys(?) they went weak at the knees. Because of fear and because they allowed themselves be taken in by the dubious charms of an ugly virago. I can understand why she said, with a wry smile no doubt, that she manipulated the situation to her advantage. A woman's wile is funny to observe, if dangerous, and interesting to behold.. A man's weak points are often his undoing. Examples abound. I am so glad, and thankful ever so, that I am immune to anybody's charms. It is called maturity, even if a queer one.
Joe Fenech
Dec 16th 2011, 11:39
"Prisoners who were relatively clean were at serious risk of ending up worse than when they were taken to prison"
As Norman Lowell calls it: the university of crime.
SPOT ON NORMAN AS ALWAYS!
M Vella***
Dec 16th 2011, 11:25
Heads must roll,Is any body accountable? well, its so clear, money rules.
Adrian Gouder
Dec 16th 2011, 10:10
@"It was true that the prison could not be totally free of drugs"
Why?! How is it that we cannot keep drugs out of such a small and confined territory. If we cannot keep drugs out of jail, then how on earth are we to expect to keep drugs out of the country! Or, out of schools!! Some serious thaught and the right procedures really do need to be put in place!
Joe Fenech
Dec 16th 2011, 09:44
Corrupt jails are another proof that Malta is a third world country.
M camilleri
Dec 16th 2011, 09:22
Jekk jitfawa il barra mil habs il business jiqaf mmmm mela ahjar gewwa biex min kien qed igawdi jibqa igawdi ,viva malta u lmaltin
Matthew Galea
Dec 16th 2011, 09:07
She must have a grin on her face as she enters Prison again, exclaiming "The Queen is back to stay...for another while!".
Ms Charlene Cassar
Dec 16th 2011, 08:44
What will happen exactly is that the OTHER INVOLVED PERSONS will continue this procedure and will sell the drugs at a higher cost.. Who ever thought this is going stop??? Rise and smell the curry!!!
The staff there is a mob that has been there for many years, some how no one ever noticed that there has never been any sort of change.. This is serious.. Correctional facility.. Satire.
Karl Grech
Dec 16th 2011, 08:26
Will she get her 'office' and fringe benefits again?
Joe Fenech
Dec 16th 2011, 08:18
Don't worry, in a year or two you'll be free.
Joe Fenech
Dec 16th 2011, 08:15
This should lead to a thorough investigation to sort out the Kordin personnel once and for all.
Malcolm Mifsud
Dec 16th 2011, 07:53
About bloody time!
Robert Massa
Dec 16th 2011, 07:23
Miskin min kixifha issa ghax ser jerga' jsibha ma wiccu ! ! X'gustizzja hawn ! ! Veru tal-misthija
Carmel Garcia
Dec 16th 2011, 07:22
In nine years time she will be out again. So it's not a whole twelve years. And is she going to be crowned a queen again in there?
Jay Oatmon
Dec 16th 2011, 07:04
My question is will anyone be held accountable for this obvious corruption / money making illegal situation going on for years in the prison - not likely this is Malta.
No one is accountable or accepts responsibility for this - not the government, the minister of justice/attorney general, not the courts, not the prison head, not the prison guards etc - its a can of worms top to bottom.
Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Dec 16th 2011, 05:41
And what is the PN government, that self-appointed defender of the family against the imagined 'threats' of the gay and lesbian lobby, going to do now with the prison system? SBA, I imagine. Only sex not drugs destroy families apparently.
Christian Sciberras
Dec 16th 2011, 02:12
Harsh words???
Mr Justice Michael Mallia DESCRIBED THE SITUATION.
There was NO EXAGGERATION. How can these be called HARSH WORDS???
In fact, Mr Mallia have gained my respect and somewhat admiration, considering he's the first person to have said it straight without toning it down for the authorities....
ALFRED BONELLO
Dec 16th 2011, 01:20
MOST URGENTLY NEEDED --
HEADS MUST ROLL FORTHWITH --
A magisterial enquiry into the running of the Prisons is of the utmost importance now.
(ajb)
Ms.D. Galea
Dec 15th 2011, 22:52
So, Ms Bickel goes bback to prison and it will be back to business as usual with the minister, naturally not knowing what is going on.
M Busuttil
Dec 15th 2011, 22:28
X pajjiz dan imma.....umbad tiftah ix xandir ta l-istat u ssib programm ta Lou Bondi fuq stejjer li graw snin ilu li ilna nisimghu u nafuwhom bl-amment.
Ahjar ghamilt programm fuq dan il-kaz sur Bondi fuq min se jkun responsabbli.....jew programm fuq dan is suggett imur kontra l-agenda li ghandek?
Mr Ernest Vella
Dec 15th 2011, 22:24
Jekk iridu sistema penitenzjarja gusta...kull min kien f'xi kariga fi zmien meta din kienet taghmel dawn l-oxxenitajiet, ghandu jerfa' r-responsabilta hu...sia dik politika, sia dik amministrattiva, pulizija, wardens, avukati, magistrati etc....Xi kredibilta fih il-habs jekk id-droga hija iktar facli li ssibha hemm milli barra....Hemm bzonn ta dixxiplina iktar harxa...u mhux kulhadd jaghmel li jrid
M. Bezzina
Dec 15th 2011, 22:22
Tajjeb iR Regina ser ikolla cans terga tibda tbiegh fic cella li se jkolla!!!Dik riforma!!
H. Galea
Dec 15th 2011, 22:08
Seems that are others outside the prison walls who appear to fear Her Majesty ..... not ONE miserable royal picture published in all the local papers I visit ! geez-- cry-- ! What's going on ?
Rocco Camilleri
Dec 15th 2011, 22:04
Din hekk imsejha Regina li regghet lura lejn il-habs fejn diga kienet bl-istess nies, se jkollha aktar sahha fuqhom aktar minn qatt qabel. Dan ghalhiex issa hi tista tgheddidhom li tikxifhom jekk ma' jhalluhiex tghamel li trid. U nghid jien din is-sahha kollha li kellha min kien qed itielha ???? Dan bilfors li xi hadd kbir li qed jibzu jikxfuh. Veru kif jghidu li l-huta z-zghira qatt ma' kielet il-Kbira. Biss f'din il-haga hemm bzonn issir inkjesta bis-serjeta, ghax is-socjeta b'hekk marret il-bahar ghax kollox qed jaddi u kollox xejn mhu xejn. Mela jigi jghidilna l-Ministru li suppost kien responsabbli mill-habs li ma' jaf b'xejn. Din x'serjeta hi ?????? Il-Huta minn Rasha Tinten u hemm bzonn issir Gustizzja mghana c-cittadini ghax qed iggelluna nitilfu l-fidducja f'kullhadd issa !!!!! bil-qrati b'kollox. Hemm bzonn li ma'noqghodhux ninhlew fuq iccuttati u affarijiet imghoddija li ma' jghamlu gid lil hadd u inkunu Accountable ta' ghemilna biex inkunu ta' ezempju ta'zghir.
G Buhagiar
Dec 15th 2011, 21:59
Tal-misthija tisma' dan il-kaz! Tigi ovvja li kien hemm xi hadd komplici , ghax il-kaz jitkellem wahdu! L-access ta' 4 TVS fic-cella. playstation, DVD, etc M'hemmx dubju li nies minn hemm gew kienu komplici. F'post fejn suppost tohrog ahjar minn kif tkun mort fih, jigri l-kontra!
Id-Direttur tal-habs ta' dak iz-zmien ma kienx jaf x'qed jigri?
Il-Gwardjani qatt ma tkellmu mieghu dwar dan?
U l-Ministru ma kienx jaf b'dawn il-kummiedji?
F'pajjiz zghir bhal Malta, fejn kulhadd jaf lil kulhadd, u fil-habs iktar.
Issa nisimghu xi kummenti li hadd ma kien jaf x'beda jigri u qisu qatt ma kien xejn.
A Cardona
Dec 15th 2011, 20:47
If only capital punishment is introduced back.... then the story will take a different direction. Not to perfection but better .... MUCH MUCH better than the comedy punishments that we have now.. which are equivalent to a slap on the wrist.
Wenzu Vella
Dec 16th 2011, 01:22
Mr Cardona we all know that drugs is a curse on society but we do not have to be as barbaric as to re introduce capital punishment. A well supervised and disciplined custodial sentence should suffice to deter any repeat.
The warders too should be well supervised and kept under surveillance to eliminate any human weakness in the way their job is carried out.
Jimmy Magro
Dec 15th 2011, 20:31
From the comments on this case, as well as other failures by the democratic institutions, I get the impression that the majority of people have lost all confidence and trust in our national public institutions.
And one does not blame them !!
A country build on laissez-faire and that everything has become to mean nothing. Our culture has degenerated that now bad things are being seen as good things. The moral fiber of society has vanished.
I believe that it is better to put our house on order rather than go on an open ended crusade to change the Constitution - a matter of interest to about 1% of our society.
Rome seems to be burning - with one report after another - and then we discuss the Constitution. As if we are going to fix the main issues with this.
Another case of seeing the tree but missing the forest.
Mr Ludwig Flask
Dec 16th 2011, 07:23
Well said.
john vella
Dec 16th 2011, 08:21
This remind me, a few years back when one president saw the situation in his country was not going well he came up with the idea: ''We will go to the moon''. Another time he is said to have said: ''We need a War''. He ended up a hero.
This is politics, a business of alienation of purpose as long as they hold power. After all each day that pass these politicians continue pile their pockets with our money.
Paul Caruana
Dec 15th 2011, 20:30
It is most interesting to note the reaction of Ms Bickle to what, on the surface, would appear to be a pretty harsh sentence.
"I did not do that badly".
From the evidence presented regarding her living conditions at the government run Kordin residence for the naughty, she is absolutely right!
D Borg
Dec 15th 2011, 20:22
The queen is back to her dominion, more powerful now than ever! Reason: She protected the names of those involved no? So she has the prison officials and wardens in her pocket.
Prison wardens in her section must be transferred to other prison sections otherwise we will end up with a new 'minister' of justice.
Joseph Borg
Dec 16th 2011, 05:44
Transferred to other sections??? One ought to investigate whether they were involved in collusion with the 'Queen'
Edgar Azzopardi
Dec 15th 2011, 20:22
I assume Her Majesty is going back to her Queendom to continue with the bella vita.
In the meantime those reesponsibile for letting her get away with this shameful lifestyle, will not only be let off the hook, but will most likely get promotions,
And the Minsiter of the time....qisu ma gara xejn !
The biggest shame is not Bickles's but of those who let her lead the life she led adn terrorise the people she did.
In other civilised countres the resignation letter of the Minister responsible would have been written and delivered....and accepted.
But here? here no/. The minister did not know anything miskin!
u halluna.......
Anthony Camilleri
Dec 15th 2011, 22:24
What does the minister mean by saying that he knew nothing? What a stupid excuse!!!! Qisu tifel zghir jipprova jahrab minn .. He shouldn't even have come out with such a statement. He is obliged to know and is being paid to know such things and he shouldn't expect to be told what's happening by me or by my neighbour. If he is expecting us or anybody else to tell him whats happeningunder his dikasteru then he is getting his salary for nothing. He has the political responsibility to ensure that his executives tell him what's happening.
H. Galea
Dec 15th 2011, 20:20
I would declare all the prison's administration as GUILTYI and lock them up 'en bloc' until each individual proves himself/herself innocent beyond any shadow of doubt ! SHAME SHAME SHAME !!!!
Mr laurence grima
Dec 15th 2011, 20:03
Dear Prime Minister, don' t you, you brave, you brave you, think you should make another of your so called
TASK force. Of course that is to avoid a resig----- which seems such of a taboo for you and your friends, the ministers
Mr Alfred Grima
Dec 15th 2011, 20:03
I ask, how much lower our country can go after Minister's Tonio Borg admission regarding this issue?
Charmaine Marmara'
Dec 15th 2011, 19:54
144 months x 900 =129,600
not bad at all
B Borg
Dec 15th 2011, 19:45
"the prison could not be totally free of drugs"
Why not?
Francis Saliba M.D.
Dec 15th 2011, 20:58
You ask "Why not?". The obvious answer is that it has not happened anywhere else in the world, unfortunately.
Joe Gatt
Dec 16th 2011, 09:15
Francis Saliba M.D.
It happens to a much lesser drgree, where there is less physical contact, except for Prison Personel, surely a door to door service does not reflect a Professinal run Institution, an Institution that is costing our small Nation an Arm and a Foot?
R ferriggi
Dec 15th 2011, 19:32
DAVID AGIUS SPOKE ABOUT THIS CASE ON RADIO 101.
DAVID,,,,, IT IS NOT AS YOU TRIED TO SAY.... (( PRUVAJT TBENGILHA...)
IT IS A CLEAR CASE OF THE AUTHORITIES BEING INVOLVED.
Mr ALBERT LEONE GANADO
Dec 15th 2011, 19:27
The words of the eminent judge were not just harsh but a total damming indictment of our whole prison system. It seems that the place has graduated from being a correctional facility to becoming a fully blown university for crime. As honest citizens we expect a full reform of our penal system and serious action to catch the persons at the top of the drugs pyramid who seem to have managed to penetrate even our prison. Populating our prison with the foot soldiers of the drug trade is only exacerbating the situation turning the place into one big hell hole and preventing the penitent inmates from reforming themselves .
The attitude by the authorities responsible, of out of sight out of mind must be radically revised..
Antonia Vella
Dec 15th 2011, 19:15
Min kin jiehu hsieb il habs nahseeb ghandu jghid ghalxiex kien ihalli dawn l-affarijiet u ssir gustizzja
Anthony Camilleri
Dec 15th 2011, 22:31
X'inhi? X'jghid? Ghandu jhallas ta' ghemilu u mhux jghid. Lanqas biss nisimghu jitkellem ma rridu. Irid iwiegeb tal-hnizrijiet li kien ihalli jsiru tahtu.
Peter Borg
Dec 15th 2011, 19:08
OK, now what happens? Do the Judge's brave words simply get filed away ? Will an investigation be launched ? Will any of the warders or more senior grades actually be caught and punished or will everything be forgotten and the dust simply swept under the carpet as is usually the case in this banana republic of ours ? As in all spheres of life we will never be able to eradicate corruption and abuse unless there is a serious deterent. Somebody must be answerable and whoever is involved must pay a price.
R. Gauci
Dec 15th 2011, 19:04
L-awtoritajiet tal-habs se jittiehdu passi dwarhom? 4 tv sets go cella mhux 4 keychains, zgur kienu jafu bihom.
G Mangion
Dec 15th 2011, 18:57
12 years - 4 = 8 and a possibility of a Parole when in effect ???
Harsh words LOL !!!
Mr Clayton Mangion
Dec 15th 2011, 18:55
12 years of more drugs in prison ...
Mr B Busuttil
Dec 15th 2011, 18:51
l-isbah il-'brake light' maqtuwa tal-karozza tac CCF........ :)
Joseph Laus
Dec 15th 2011, 18:34
Darba Kien hemm xi hadd qal,,Xoghol Gustizzja u LIBERTA,,,,,,,Kemm hadmet ta l'ahhar.....specjalment fil Korradino Complex
Francis Attard
Dec 15th 2011, 18:29
Sur Imhallef Michael Mallia, il-ballun issa f'saqajn minn tfajtu?
Lawrence Fenech
Dec 15th 2011, 18:28
Back home, business as usual.
MALCOLM SEYCHELL
Dec 15th 2011, 18:10
Back to the hotel sponsored by the tax payer.
The minister involved should resign immediately. If we needed any confirmation now we have it. Our justice system is a total comedy
Mandy O'Dea
Dec 15th 2011, 18:09
She must have had very strong connections all along, this story is incredible. Well done Justice Mallia, I hope this time she will really serve time the way she is meant to.
Charles Massa
Dec 15th 2011, 17:58
Il ministru responsabbli ghandu jirrizanja
Lino Busuttil
Dec 15th 2011, 18:30
Should HAVE resigned years ago. What an incompetent system full of corruption!
V Mercieca
Dec 15th 2011, 19:19
Mr Massa please tell me another joke
Since when did we hear of a minister resigning?
Remember that this is Malta il-pajjiz tal' Micky Mouse
mario salnitro
Dec 15th 2011, 20:39
Not in Mlata sorry dawn tal qalba!!!
M Vella***
Dec 15th 2011, 17:54
What about those who were responsible to prevent this 'scandal' from happening,like the director of prison and other top officials,is any body responsible or is any body going to resign?
We need foreign ministers to solve Malta’s problems,ghax "Ic-Cwiec Maltin" m'ghandhomx hila.
Carmel camilleri
Dec 15th 2011, 17:50
I sincerely hope that Mark Montebello and company will not protest if prison conditions are tightened up. We must not forget that part of the problem if not all is laxity of prison conditions many times brought about by the liberals section of the population who seem to want to make our prison a first class hotel. Unless the number of visitors and visiting hours are curbed these will continue to happen. Also harsh punished should be meted out to prisons officials who fail in their duties. Resignations alone will not solve the problem.
Recently a person who had spent just a couple of days in prison told me about how drugs are easily available in the precincts of our prison. And this i am sure the prison authorities no about it.
Ms ANNA GRECH
Dec 15th 2011, 17:46
Back to Corradino Hilton Ms Bickle!
V. Cauchi
Dec 15th 2011, 17:31
Well done Mr Justice Mallia!
In this day and age where many people in high authority know what is going on around them, it is becoming more of a duty to speak out. After all, authority does not mean empty Christmas parties and fake camaraderie alone, but a duty to one's oath and position to give a helping hand in any due clean up.
Also congratulations to Dr Jason Grima of the Attorney General's Office whose job, like anybody's in that office, requires sacrifice and dedication let alone uncomfort. It was well for us all at that Office to remember that we owe no loyalty to anyone but Justice and Integrity.
J Borg
Dec 15th 2011, 17:31
The Queen is back. Long live the Queen!
Lawrence Attard
Dec 15th 2011, 17:28
If we needed any more proof that our justice system is in shambles, this is it. We grant bail to dangerous criminals, and hand out laughablly lenient sentences for serious crimes (and occasionally compensate with exaggerated sentences to more petty cases), and as if that's not bad enough, it is now obviousthat our prison system is probably corrupt to the bone. No wonder it was reported that 40% of prisoners are on drugs.
In short, our criminals have got a really good things going...there's a good chance they won't be caught, but if they are, there's an even bigger chance they will be released on a suspended sentence (even if the crime was something like shooting at policemen) or just given a token slap in the wrist. If however they happen to find a decent magistrate who imposes a proper jail sentence, then once again there is a very good chance that they'll spend a few years at Hotel Kordin and while their time there selling or taking drugs, enjoy more TV than at home and even make a better income than most law-abiding citizens.
Honestly, can our justice system do more to make life attractive to criminals? Is there any deterrent left?
The Prime Minister should take personal responsibility for cleaning up this act once and for all.
James Tyrrell
Dec 15th 2011, 17:16
The fact that Josette Bickle has received a decent sentence is I'm sure applauded by most right thinking people although I agree with others that it does call into question the sentence imposed on Daniel Holmes for growing cannabis at home. What I would say however is that it is obvious she had help from prison staff who I'm sure were not providing that help for nothing. So it is therefore imperative that a full investigation into exactly what was going on within the prison and who was profiting from it is carried out and the guilty persons removed from their jobs and put in cells where they belong.
john vella
Dec 15th 2011, 17:00
Lest we forget:
Il-huta minn rasha tinten.
DR EMMANUEL BEZZINA,MA,MAG.JUR.[EU Law],LL.D.,
Dec 15th 2011, 16:56
A most thought-provoking,reflective judgement not only on the prison system but on our society at large.CORRUPTION is now integrated into the very sinews,the veins of our society.Our Courts of Justice reflect in many ways a microcosm of what is going on. Persons are even falsely accused to serve as a blackmailing factor in return for substantial amounts of money.At times proper investigations are not conducted and once one gets accused,the whole ,dragging process has to be undergone.Usually this brings about further procedures as then the process of pay back will commence and one`s life can become miserable indeed. The scenario for those who tasted our prisons is one of despondency.You are get to fit in the sordid system or your daily life will become unliveable.So you are tactfully tricked to forget everything by slowly making you dependent on these damned narcotics. These occurrences have long been told,even as far as over a quarter of a century in my live Xandir Malta television series ANIMA. However not only has remedial action not been taken,it got worse and worse to the extent of establishing the Kings and Queens in this Kingdom of Despair.
Our Prison System has failed, Judge Michael Mallia studiously stated. This is the bare truth and everyone is aware of this and yet those responsible keep denying it - vide the statement by my good friend the Hon.Minister for Foreign Affairs & Deputy Prime Minister. Hence,where shall we go from here.There is real fear that those who enter our Correctional Facilities will indeed be reformed but only for the worse to the extent that they will have nothing to lose if they get back in there. Let us assuage the wise, studied words of Judge Mallias in this realistic judgement where in the most direct of ways,our whole society is being found guilty for the multi-levelled standards this country goes about its dail business,with a picture with Christ on one side and that of Evil on the other: there you are Malta is JANUS for all of us to absorb. A terrific Judgement.
And they lived merrily ever after...................................
Joe Gatt
Dec 15th 2011, 16:56
After the sentence was read out, Bickle was heard to say 'I did not do that bad'. She also appeared to lift a hand in a wave at waiting photographers (see video).
She is so right, maybe at this rate, she may well end up walking out of ourPrison a Millionaires.
Victor Pulis
Dec 15th 2011, 16:53
It was true that the prison could not be totally free of drugs........
but this was an institution which was supposed to have the highest level of security where everyone and everything was supposed to be searched. Yet this security had no impact, now and at a time of this case.
Isn't this a contradition in terms?
C Vella
Dec 15th 2011, 16:50
Again and Again ..... what a ridiculous small island !!!! We are small and are incapable of controlling prison! Corruption Corruption...... W A K E UP !!!!!!
We are all awaiting for some action now, who were the people on duty? officials investigated? Who is responsible? I guess their commissions were sky high to risk their jobs!
Though a maltese saying, "Iz-zejt jitla f'wicc l-ilma"
Manwel Debattista
Dec 15th 2011, 16:47
Baqa' xi istituzzjoni f'dan il-pajjiz li ghadha tahdem bhan-nies?
Patrick Zammit
Dec 15th 2011, 16:46
So it's not only the perception of corruption that is rife in Malta...
John Caruana
Dec 15th 2011, 16:44
We should employ another RONNIE THEUMA. During his tenure as prison Director these shameful behaviour never happened, but Ronnie was forced to resign after many lies were fabricfated against him. Perhaps the person who was responsible at that time will explain.
R. Caruana
Dec 15th 2011, 16:43
"This was system which had failed and was not correctional." - In fact I am glad that the court has come to agree with I've been saying all along, There is nothing reformatory coming from that system, it's solely & purely retributive.
As for the prisoners who eventually reformed, they did so on their own merit much is considerable when it was done against the odds such as the ones mentioned in the above article.
Mr l Azzopardi
Dec 15th 2011, 16:35
is anyone else being investigated?
Mr Justice Mallia explained how she must have had support from the inside..
who is searching for the full truth?
are any officials investigated?
is anyone else being charged?
Joseph N. Attard
Dec 15th 2011, 16:29
After this sentence, the authoriies' credibility is in shreds with friend and foe alike. If they do not take immediate drastic steps to try to restore it, then they will have only themselves to blame for the consequences.
George Calleja
Dec 15th 2011, 16:28
One simple question. Will Ms Bickle be allowed to continue with her drug trafficking now that she has returned to her favorite abode?
marco caruana
Dec 15th 2011, 16:21
sa hamsin sena ohra ma jkun irrezenja hadd !!!
victor caruana
Dec 15th 2011, 16:12
The culture of resignation...........
JOE INGUANEZ
Dec 15th 2011, 16:11
THE INTERNAL ENWUIRE SHOULD BE QUICK AND RESIGNATIONS SHOULD FOLLOW>>>>> TRUST IN THE INSTITUTIONS IS AT STAKE
JI
Franco Farrugia
Dec 15th 2011, 16:09
This is an extremely serious sentence and declaration by the Courts and the Government should act in it, but pronto!
Zagroma Savrene
Dec 15th 2011, 16:38
well, 10 years is less than 12 years, so therefore it is a lesser punishment and the system is correct.
Phyllisienne Mallia
Dec 15th 2011, 16:52
Seems that not only inmates and warders fear her...
Mr Mark Borh
Dec 15th 2011, 16:07
So someone who sells Heroin (a deadly and highly addictive drug) in prison gets 12 years and a 23,000 Euro fine and some who grows 2 cannabis plants (not addictive or deadly) for his own private use gets 10 years in prison and a similar fine...
Where is the justice there?
Mr John Borg
Dec 15th 2011, 16:18
Bingo
J. Debono
Dec 15th 2011, 16:40
I would like to correct 3 things you said
1. He was not growing 2 plants, but had much more - in fact 'dry' weight of cannabis was more than 1kg
2. They were NOT for his private use
3. Cannabis IS addictive
Mario Borg
Dec 15th 2011, 16:56
Well said Mr Borh
Mr Mark Borh
Dec 15th 2011, 17:07
I correct myself, there were more than 2 plants, however there is no proof that he was actually selling - please see: http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20111214/local/holmes-appeals-10-year-jail-term-for-cannabis-conviction.398365
Cannabis can be physiologically addictive, but it's not physically addictive like Heroin for example.
daniel Gordon
Dec 15th 2011, 17:15
@J.Debono: Correcting your corrections
1: 2 ounces per indoor plant is the norm. this means roughly 2 oz = 56.6990 g
ergo- ten plants = 20 oz = 566.990 g.
Or just slightly over the half kilo mark.
2: This makes no difference whatsoever. 10 years in jail for this non-harmful "crime" is a disgrace.
3: Cannabis is NOT addictive. smoking cannabis with tobacco will addict you to the tobacco, not the cannabis. The human brain (and many animals) has receptors (docking stations) which are so perfectly formed to accept the cannabinoids molecules of the cannabis plant. For this reason, it is impossible to overdose on cannabis.
NO ONE HAS EVER DIED FROM CANNABIS USE. In thousands of years. Ever.
Lawrence Attard
Dec 15th 2011, 17:18
@Mr J Debono
Give me a break, let's not split hairs please...the point Mr Borh made, which is a totally valid one, is that there is a huge imbalance between that sentence for marijuana and this one. Marijuana is as addictive as cigarettes and alcohol (for which nobody is arrested of course) yet definitely not as deadly or addictive as heroin. There is no comparison between smoking joints and doing heroin. Moreover this case is particularly devious not only because it involved heroin but because it was a place where it is impossible for people to resist day in day out. No wonder 40% of our prisoners are on drugs. The collusion with authorities makes it all the more serious a case than someone growing some cannabis plants on his roof!
Mr Duncan Scerri
Dec 15th 2011, 17:26
@J. Debono
1. Wrong.
2. Wrong.
3. Wrong.
Jog on.
Francis Saliba M.D.
Dec 15th 2011, 16:07
The pro-drugs subculture that is making its discordant voice heard so piercingly in The Times blogs these days, may even consider that Bickle was rendering a service to its fraternity!
daniel Gordon
Dec 15th 2011, 16:57
It appears to me, dear sir, that you have neither read nor understood a single iota of what the " pro-drugs subculture " has written in these blogs.
If you had done so, you would surely have been able to see the huge difference between cannabis and heroine.
We, the " pro-drugs subculture " wish to be given the choice to take care of our own bodies by ourselves and not have the government or any one else for that matter, tell us what is good or bad. We would also welcome constructive investigations into the medicinal and therapeutically use of cannabis, furthermore the use of industrial Hemp should be bought back to the foreground as an environmental step in the right direction.
As a "grown up", I should be the one making decisions concerning my health and personal well being.
Only when the law, (at this moment a complete disaster of Medieval proportions), changes to differentiate between Heroine at the one end and Cannabis at the other end of the danger scale, will Malta finally see how big/bad the drug problem really is.
I really doubt there is one single member of the cannabis smoking community who has any sympathy for this hag. And just as little sympathy for the warders who will hopefully also be bought to trial.
Information is power. Be powerful, inform yourself before commenting. Peace.
Roger Camilleri
Dec 15th 2011, 17:30
i have been following you on these blogs mr. Saliba and EVERY SINGLE TIME without fail you manage to somehow involve the 'pro-drug subculture' and how outrageous and unacceptable it is... what are you so scared of?
M Muscat
Dec 15th 2011, 16:02
Il-Ministru tal-Gustizzja u d-Direttur tal-Habs huma risponsabbli ghal dan ... ser iwigbu issa.
Angus Black
Dec 15th 2011, 16:50
Nahseb li l-Ministru tal-Gustizzja ghandu d-dover li jzur il-habs kulljum biex jara li negozju tad-droga droga ma jsirx. U le!
Aktar nahseb li dawk li kienu jibzghu minn, jew jghinu lill Bickle fit-traffikar ghandhom ghalxiex jirrispondu w aktar min hekk, dak li hu responsabbli ghal l-amministrazzjoni tal-habs.
Nisperaw li Bickle ma tergax lura fic-cella li kellha erba' televixins, DVDs, sigaretti etc imma tinaghta cella komuni bhal tal-prigunieri l-ohra.
J Degabriele
Dec 15th 2011, 16:02
Collusion by prison authorities! It's pretty obvious. We HAVE touched bottom!
Francis Saliba M.D.
Dec 15th 2011, 15:58
The most terrifying thing was not that 41% of the prison population was "toxic dependent" - they could very well have been addicted to drugs before admission to the Correction Facility. The alarming fact is that were testing positive for drugs while actually detained in a security environment.
Robert Pace Bonello
Dec 15th 2011, 15:58
Mr Justice Mallia's words cannot be ignored by the authorities.
Can we clean up this mess once and for all? Can we ever look forward to some accountability on this island?
A Cachia
Dec 15th 2011, 16:05
Hopefully both parties will not ignore his words.
Mr C Galea
Dec 15th 2011, 15:55
But of course corruption does not exist on this forsaken country of ours???????????and the next deal or dealings will be overcome in what way and how?????????????
j brincat
Dec 15th 2011, 15:54
Quote: "The sentence was delivered by Mr Justice Michael Mallia, who had very harsh words against the prison system"
AND now what?
Would there be any resignations in this Mickey Mouse Island?
Guess not!
(jb)
Joseph Calleja
Dec 15th 2011, 16:15
"Would there be any resignations in this Mickey Mouse Island? Of course not! Resignations do not happen in Malta, at least not unless one was threatened with, resign or else. Resignations are not accepted by our leader. Case in point is the resignation attempt by Minister Austin Gatt, it was turned down..
Mario Camilleri
Dec 15th 2011, 15:53
So the Queen was jailed and fined.
What about the warders and the prison officials?
They were the ones who let her enjoy the money she earned from the crime and it was common knowledge that it had become the norm that it was easier to get drugs in prison rather than outside.
Joseph Calleja
Dec 15th 2011, 16:06
The wardens and the prison officials disciplined? Mr Camilleri they are innocent, they had no idea of what was going on. I would not be surprised if a couple of them were part of the drug trafficking. How did all those drugs find themselves into the prison in the first place? Ms Bickle had to have some sort of help from the inside and they should arrest these people as accomplices and prosecuted, starting with the Warden.
Joseph G. Galea
Dec 15th 2011, 15:53
Malta missed its opportunity to reform the prisons when the convicted chief justice Noel Arrigo instead of sending him to prison to live with the other convicted persons, he was sent in a special place in Attard alone. At least while in prison, to atone for his faults, he could have reported any misdeeds that were happening.
Maria Debono
Dec 15th 2011, 15:51
i hope that when her 12 years or whatever are up, she'll have repented, corrected her ways, gave up drugs and got to realise that crime doesn't pay. is this asking too much Ms Bickle. enjoy your time in jail and I hope no one will fear you this time. it's not good for you-
Joseph Calleja
Dec 15th 2011, 15:50
So The Queen of drugs gets 12 years in prison an fined €23,000. That means that she has to double her price of drugs to come up with the €23,000. Mr Montalto, why not bring up the case and sentence handed down to Mr Holmes for having a few plants of cannabis for private use. He got ten years in prison. I don't think you can compare the case of Ms Bickle to any other case. She is a confirmed drug dealer and her assets and the testimony in court prove it.
David Farrugia
Dec 15th 2011, 15:50
I say prosecute the prison director and officials!!
Joseph Calleja
Dec 15th 2011, 15:57
I agree prosecute the prison director and officials and also include the guards responsible for this fiasco.!
Joseph Borg
Dec 15th 2011, 15:47
Issa il habs sejrin nirrangawh? Issa l-poplu konxju ta x'inhu jigri gewwa l-habs u hadd ma jista jichad.
Dawk resposabli x'se jghidu?
C Muscat
Dec 15th 2011, 15:46
The court said it was shocking to hear a witness say that drug availability was so easy that it was door-to-door. ....
Really shocking to hear that the authorities accept that a closed place like a prison is not totally secluded!!
Louis Craus
Dec 15th 2011, 15:45
GOD SAVE OUR QUEEN....and GLORY TO THE KING ......as well.......
Charles Micallef
Dec 15th 2011, 15:45
Delivering his sentence, Mr Justice Mallia said there was no doubt that this was a very serious case which undermined the institution which was meant to be a correctional facility.
This is yet another prime example of the abuse of all systems in Malta, TM, ADT, VAT, Prisons etc etc and the list goes on forever and ever AMEN!
Mr Mike Farrugia
Dec 15th 2011, 15:42
I think that the €6,000 mentioned were her savings. They do not include expenditure and "Tips" to get things done her way plus payment by phone cards, clothes, jewellery etc.
Roderick Micallef
Dec 15th 2011, 15:37
OK she got another 12 years locked up but does that mean a 12 year extension to her racket empire behind bars?
Mr Eric Gahn
Dec 15th 2011, 15:36
OK. So she was in prison were she lived in comfort and is going there for 12 more years. She is better off in there than out here with us. Will any steps be taken to ensure against this? That will be of more news value.
Also I note the silence of Mid-Dlam Ghad-Dawl on her case. Possibly they are alert enough to know when a mosquito bites a prisoner but not this?
Mario Vassallo
Dec 15th 2011, 15:32
Jailed? or better said back to her palace?
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Dec 15th 2011, 15:32
so now what? She goes back to her comfy 4 tv cell? Will the prison guards still "fear" her? Hell I want those guards & all the people in charge to get locked up with her!
carmel callus
Dec 15th 2011, 15:51
Why don't you apply for a warder's job?
Joseph Calleja
Dec 15th 2011, 15:56
I think she sold one of her TV sets to one of the guards. Just kidding. What a bunch of jokers we have running our prison and maybe the whole country? So you go to prison for selling drugs and you find a better market selling drugs in prison. Only in Malta
Joseph Mizzi
Dec 15th 2011, 16:12
Why don't they consider swapping the duties od Customs officials with those of Prison Wardens? A change in work environment will do both Sections some good, I suppose.
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Dec 15th 2011, 17:59
@carmel callus
I think I'll just break the law to be put in jail, seems like a better deal. :)
Robert Sammut
Dec 15th 2011, 15:23
By the time she gets out she'll be €129,600 & that's without taking into consideration what she'll earn on the side!! Who ever said crime doesn't pay?!