An almost completely blind woman who took cannabis into prison and was sentenced to three years in jail has had her term confirmed on appeal.

Maria Farrugia, 56, tried to take the drugs into prison on April 27 last year and was charged with trafficking, aggravated possession, relapsing and committing the crime during the operative period of a suspended jail term.

She was sentenced to three years in jail after she admitted to the charges.

In an appeal, Ms Farrugia contended that the term was excessive because she was almost blind and that the court had incorrectly found her guilty of trafficking.

But Mr Justice Michael Mallia said in the appeal judgment that Ms Farrugia pleaded guilty as charged and once the admission had been registered there was no evidence to evaluate.

He said that the Magistrates' Court was correct to hand down a jail term because by law the court was barred from handing down anything less.